Conceptualizing Hegemony
This paper argues that the Confucius Institute carries out functions that fit with
Chinese government policy; this process can be seen as part of a hegemonic strategy.
This section provides a brief understanding of the concept of hegemony as originally
articulated by Antonio Gramsci. While Gramsci’s notion of hegemony is based on
class domination, in turn based on material and physical production, this paper will
expand his concept to include consensual dominance which depends on the
acceptance of new ideas and social relations. Specifically, this research paper will
conceptualize hegemony in terms of the negotiation of ideas or norms as this paper
argues that the Confucius Institute positions itself to use Chinese culture and language
to promote friendly relations with other countries in order to further its political and
economic goals.