The Transition of the United States from World Leader to Hegemony During the Cold War

Abstract

This text scrutinizes how, during the span of the Cold War, particularly at the commencement of hostilities, the United States metamorphosed from a world leader to a dominion of hegemonic might. It perceives the Cold War as a period of ideological corruption within a nation’s ethos. The article first assesses the United States’ geopolitical status before World War II and signs of its role as a world leader, then discusses the role and performance of the United States as a world leader through its actions during and after World War II. Subsequently, it analyzes the transition to U.S. hegemony, using Modelski’s model and Wallerstein’s theory to study the shift in U.S. global strategy and influence, with key events such as the Marshall Plan. The article also examines the ideological shift within the United States during this period, including the impacts of policies from Roosevelt to Truman to Eisenhower. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of key shifts in the geopolitical image of the United States during the Cold War. It bridges geopolitical analysis with critical theory, providing fresh insights into the subtleties of U.S. foreign policy and its global impact.