Watson’s most influential contribution is the of international systems. He suggests that history doesn't just flip between total independence (anarchy) and total control (empire). Instead, international systems swing across a spectrum:
Complete control over both domestic and foreign policy. Hegemony & History (New International Relations...
In the study of international relations (IR), we often treat "hegemony" as a modern phenomenon—a superpower like the U.S. or China dictating global rules. However, Adam Watson’s argues that hegemony isn't just a phase of modern politics; it is a recurring historical constant that shapes how civilizations organize themselves. The Pendulum Model: Beyond Anarchy and Empire Hegemony & History (New International Relations...
Pure anarchy where states have no shared rules. Hegemony & History (New International Relations...