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Orderly Disorder Order in today’s world is a relatively subjective concept such that order for one individual or state, could be in the opinion of another state, complete disorder and chaos. Humans however do inherently seek order, an order which may or may not be order to others. Over time however, certain distinctions or patterns of order have been observed and written about. For example, in the opinion of Hedley Bull, these common interests or elementary goals of a state can be defined as being the pursuit of life, truth and property. These fundamental elements of order have almost always been sought after in one way or another throughout all states. Maintaining the order of these three elements, and maintaining international order, has been a difficult and enduring battle for the world. Despite this ongoing battle for order, states have created several strategies of obtaining order within a state, and among states. Three of these methods of sustaining a type of order are hegemony, balance of power, and institutions. Hegemony, which means that a single state is so powerful that it can unilaterally impose order according to their own values and interests on the international system is one way in which order can be produced. Furthermore, that is to say, in the words of Wohlforth the nation has a “decisive preponderance…in all the components of power” (8). Thus, the hegemon is excessively superior in all aspects. And this allows them to create some of the highest order possible in their opinion. Since order is relative to who perceives it, a hegemon, creates a specific order to best suit its values and goals. The hegemons power allows them to create order. And among this order are usually life, truth, and liberty. Because of this control from the hegemon, hegemony can either be a positive or negative force on order towards other states. It is the character of the hegemon which decrees whether their influence will benefit others or damage them. This character is what ultimately effects the Hegemons duration as a superpower.
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