What does "hegemony" refer to?

The term "hegemony" refers to dominance or leadership of one entity over others, particularly in the context of political, social, or economic power. It often describes a situation where a particular group or state exerts significant influence or control over others, shaping their policies, beliefs, and actions without the need for coercion through force.

In discussions of international relations, for example, hegemony may refer to a dominant country’s ability to lead global or regional affairs to its advantage while setting the agenda that lesser powers follow. This concept encapsulates the idea of prevailing influence rather than mere equality or collaboration, which are more about shared power and equal participation among various groups or states.

The other choices, while referencing various forms of relationships among powers, do not accurately capture the sense of dominance and influence that is central to the concept of hegemony.