In studies of US power, one fundamental aspect comes to the forefront: the construction of US leadership, expressed, among other things, through the creation and maintenance of international institutions that are able to establish an environment favorable for the exercise of this power during the 20th century. For our understanding of these processes, the concept of hegemony becomes essential. In this regard, the present essay attempts to examine three distinct interpretations of US foreign policy and inquire into how each one approaches the issue. We look at interpretations provided by Joseph Nye Jr. and Immanuel Wallerstein, in the United States, and by Cristina Soreanu Pecequilo, in Brasil. In particular, we intend to show: (i) how each interprets American power and (ii) how the term "hegemony" has been used to explain this power in the 20th century. The three interpretations reflect distinct theoretical perspectives that have been applied to the analysis of American power. They are also inscribed within the production of a significant recent literature on US behavior and international strategy and the implications the latter have for contemporary international politics.
United States; Foreign Policy; Power; Hegemony; Domination