bàquán zhǔyì: 霸权主义 - Hegemonism, Hegemony

• Keywords: bàquán zhǔyì, 霸权主义, hegemonism meaning, hegemony in Chinese, Chinese political terms, US-China relations, superpower politics, international relations, foreign policy, Chinese perspective on dominance
• Summary: Discover the meaning of 霸权主义 (bàquán zhǔyì), a crucial term in Chinese political language that translates to “hegemonism.” This concept refers to the practice of a dominant superpower using its military, economic, or political might to bully, control, or impose its will on other nations. Frequently used in Chinese state media and official statements, particularly to critique the foreign policy of the United States, understanding 霸权主义 is essential for grasping China's perspective on global affairs and its stated goal of a “multipolar” world free from the dominance of a single power.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): bàquán zhǔyì
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: N/A (Advanced political vocabulary)
• Concise Definition: The ideology or practice of a powerful state exerting coercive dominance over other states.
• In a Nutshell: Think of 霸权主义 (bàquán zhǔyì) as the “big bully” principle in international politics. It describes a situation where one country becomes so powerful that it stops playing by the rules and starts forcing other, smaller countries to do what it wants. This term carries a very strong negative connotation and is used to accuse a nation of acting as an international tyrant, rather than a leader. It's the opposite of a world order based on equality and mutual respect.

• 霸 (bà): This character means “overlord,” “tyrant,” or “hegemon.” It has ancient roots, originally referring to powerful feudal lords who dominated others through military force during China's Spring and Autumn Period (771-476 BCE).
• 权 (quán): This means “power” or “authority.” It's the same character found in words like `权力 (quánlì)` (power, authority) and `权利 (quánlì)` (a right).
• 主 (zhǔ): Meaning “main,” “principal,” or “master.”
• 义 (yì): A common suffix meaning “doctrine,” “principle,” or “-ism.” It's used to turn concepts into ideologies, like in `社会主义 (shèhuì zhǔyì)` (socialism).

The characters combine logically: 霸 (bà) “overlord” + 权 (quán) “power” creates 霸权 (bàquán), “hegemony” or “domineering power.” Adding the 主义 (zhǔyì) “-ism” suffix transforms it into 霸权主义 (bàquán zhǔyì), the political ideology and practice of “hegemonism.”

霸权主义 is not just a political buzzword; it's deeply rooted in China's historical consciousness and worldview. The “Century of Humiliation” (百年国耻 bǎinián guóchǐ), a period from the mid-19th to mid-20th century when China was subjugated by foreign powers, created a profound national sensitivity to being dominated. Therefore, “opposing hegemonism” is a cornerstone of modern Chinese foreign policy. China presents itself on the world stage as a champion for developing nations and an advocate for a “multipolar world” (多极化世界 duōjíhuà shìjiè), where power is distributed among several major countries rather than concentrated in one. This is framed as the direct opposite of a “unipolar” world led by a single hegemon. Comparison with a Western Concept: In the West, particularly the United States, the term “global leadership” is often used to describe America's role in the world. This term has positive connotations, suggesting benevolent guidance, maintaining global stability, and upholding a rules-based order. 霸权主义 is the critical, external perspective on that same phenomenon. Where an American might see “leadership,” someone using the term 霸权主义 sees coercion, self-interest, and the bullying of weaker nations. Understanding this difference in framing is key to understanding many of the tensions in US-China relations.

This term is almost exclusively used in formal, political contexts. You will encounter it constantly if you read Chinese news, watch official government press conferences, or study international relations from a Chinese perspective.

• Connotation: Overwhelmingly negative. It is a term of accusation and condemnation. No country would describe its own policy as 霸权主义.
• Primary Target: In contemporary Chinese discourse, the term is most frequently directed at the United States, criticizing its military interventions, economic sanctions, and formation of political alliances seen as aimed at containing China.
• Formal and Official Tone: Because of its serious nature, it's not a word used in casual, everyday conversation. Using it in a lighthearted chat about non-political topics would sound strange and overly dramatic.

• Example 1:
  • 中国一贯奉行独立自主的和平外交政策，坚决反对霸权主义和强权政治。
  • Pinyin: Zhōngguó yíguàn fèngxíng dúlì zìzhǔ de hépíng wàijiāo zhèngcè, jiānjué fǎnduì bàquán zhǔyì hé qiángquán zhèngzhì.
  • English: China consistently pursues an independent foreign policy of peace and resolutely opposes hegemonism and power politics.
  • Analysis: This is a classic example from official Chinese policy statements. It positions “hegemonism” as the primary evil that China's peaceful foreign policy is designed to counter.
• Example 2:
  • 任何国家都不应该在国际关系中推行霸权主义。
  • Pinyin: Rènhé guójiā dōu bù yīnggāi zài guójì guānxì zhōng tuīxíng bàquán zhǔyì.
  • English: No country should practice hegemonism in international relations.
  • Analysis: A general, moral statement. `推行 (tuīxíng)` means “to carry out” or “to pursue (a policy),” a common verb paired with 霸权主义.
• Example 3:
  • 他们企图通过经济制裁来建立自己的经济霸权主义。
  • Pinyin: Tāmen qìtú tōngguò jīngjì zhìcái lái jiànlì zìjǐ de jīngjì bàquán zhǔyì.
  • English: They attempt to establish their own economic hegemonism through economic sanctions.
  • Analysis: This shows that the term isn't limited to military dominance. “Economic hegemonism” (经济霸权主义) and “cultural hegemonism” (文化霸权主义) are also common concepts.
• Example 4:
  • 外交部发言人严厉谴责了这种赤裸裸的霸权主义行径。
  • Pinyin: Wàijiāobù fāyánrén yánlì qiǎnzéle zhè zhǒng chìluǒluǒ de bàquán zhǔyì xíngjìng.
  • English: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson sternly condemned this nakedly hegemonic act.
  • Analysis: This is typical phrasing you'd hear in a Chinese news report. `行径 (xíngjìng)` means “(evil) act” or “behavior,” and `赤裸裸的 (chìluǒluǒ de)` means “naked” or “blatant,” adding to the strong condemnation.
• Example 5:
  • 霸权主义是世界和平与稳定的主要威胁。
  • Pinyin: Bàquán zhǔyì shì shìjiè hépíng yǔ wěndìng de zhǔyào wēixié.
  • English: Hegemonism is the main threat to world peace and stability.
  • Analysis: A clear, powerful statement often used to frame international conflicts.
• Example 6:
  • 我们要警惕某些国家打着“自由”的旗号搞霸权主义。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen yào jǐngtì mǒuxiē guójiā dǎzhe “zìyóu” de qíhào gǎo bàquán zhǔyì.
  • English: We must be vigilant against certain countries that practice hegemonism under the banner of “freedom.”
  • Analysis: This sentence highlights the deep skepticism towards the motivations of powerful nations. `打着…的旗号 (dǎzhe…de qíhào)` means “under the banner of…” and implies a false pretext.
• Example 7:
  • 历史证明，任何形式的霸权主义都注定会失败。
  • Pinyin: Lìshǐ zhèngmíng, rènhé xíngshì de bàquán zhǔyì dōu zhùdìng huì shībài.
  • English: History has proven that any form of hegemonism is doomed to fail.
  • Analysis: This reflects a belief in the inevitable triumph of justice over oppressive power, a common theme in Chinese political rhetoric.
• Example 8:
  • 科技霸权主义阻碍了全球的科技进步和合作。
  • Pinyin: Kējì bàquán zhǔyì zǔ'ài le quánqiú de kējì jìnbù hé hézuò.
  • English: Technological hegemonism hinders global scientific and technological progress and cooperation.
  • Analysis: Another example of a specific type of hegemonism, in this case, a country using its technological advantage to suppress others. This has become a very common term in discussions about companies like Huawei and the semiconductor industry.
• Example 9:
  • 发展中国家是反对霸权主义的重要力量。
  • Pinyin: Fāzhǎnzhōng guójiā shì fǎnduì bàquán zhǔyì de zhòngyào lìliàng.
  • English: Developing countries are an important force in opposing hegemonism.
  • Analysis: This reinforces China's positioning as a leader and ally of the developing world against dominant powers.
• Example 10:
  • 他的言论充满了霸权主义思维。
  • Pinyin: Tā de yánlùn chōngmǎn le bàquán zhǔyì sīwéi.
  • English: His remarks were full of hegemonic thinking.
  • Analysis: This shows the term can be applied to a mindset or way of thinking (`思维 sīwéi`), not just concrete actions.

• False Friend: “Hegemony” vs. 霸权主义 (bàquán zhǔyì)

In English academic contexts (e.g., Gramscian theory), “hegemony” can be a more neutral term describing leadership achieved through the consent of the governed or cultural dominance that feels “natural.” 霸权主义 has none of this nuance. It exclusively refers to coercive, illegitimate dominance through force or threat. It always means “bullying,” never “leading by consent.”

• Mistake: Using it for Personal Dominance

It's a common mistake for learners to apply this grand political term to everyday situations. While you could metaphorically describe a very domineering boss as practicing 霸权主义, it would sound overly formal and a bit strange. The correct and much more common word for a person who is “bossy” or “domineering” is `霸道 (bàdào)`.

• Incorrect/Awkward: `我的老板有点霸权主义。 (Wǒ de lǎobǎn yǒudiǎn bàquán zhǔyì.)` - “My boss is a bit hegemonic.” (Sounds weird and overly political).
• Correct: `我的老板很霸道。 (Wǒ de lǎobǎn hěn bàdào.)` - “My boss is very domineering/bossy.”

• 霸道 (bàdào) - Domineering, overbearing, bossy. This is the personal, non-political equivalent used to describe an individual's personality or behavior.
• 强权政治 (qiángquán zhèngzhì) - “Power politics.” The principle that “might makes right” in international affairs. It is the philosophy that underpins hegemonism.
• 帝国主义 (dìguó zhǔyì) - “Imperialism.” A historically related concept. Hegemonism is often seen as the modern, post-colonial form of imperialism.
• 单边主义 (dānbiān zhǔyì) - “Unilateralism.” The practice of a country acting alone without the consent or support of others. It's considered a key tool of a hegemonic power.
• 多边主义 (duōbiān zhǔyì) - “Multilateralism.” The practice of international cooperation and shared decision-making. It is promoted as the direct antidote to hegemonism.
• 干涉内政 (gānshè nèizhèng) - “To interfere in internal affairs.” This is one of the primary accusations leveled against hegemonic powers.
• 和平共处五项原则 (Hépíng Gòngchǔ Wǔ Xiàng Yuánzé) - “The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.” A set of principles (including non-interference and mutual respect for sovereignty) that form the foundation of China's anti-hegemonic foreign policy.
• 超级大国 (chāojí dàguó) - “Superpower.” A state with a dominant position in the world, and thus the potential to practice hegemonism.