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ISA Handbook in Contemporary Sociology

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International Sociology
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Waves of Empire

US Hegemony and Imperialistic Activity from the Shores of Tripoli to Iraq, 1787–2003

Julian Go

Boston University

Is there a relationship between the global hegemonic position of the US on the one hand, and imperialistic activities such as war-making, sending troops abroad, colonial annexation and/or temporary military occupation? In an attempt to offer a preliminary answer to this question, this article offers a novel longitudinal analysis of US imperialistic activities from 1787 to 2003, and shows that America's imperialistic activity has been punctuated by waves of high amplitude and frequency. The article also shows that each of these waves correspond to different phases in America's career. Specifically, they are associated with America's movement from regional to hemispheric to global dominance and, ultimately, to its decline from its prior hegemonic status. The analysis offers preliminary support for a new theory of the relationship between hegemony and imperialistic activity.

Key Words: American empire • hegemony • imperialism • United States • world-system

International Sociology, Vol. 22, No. 1, 5-40 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0268580907065300
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