Introduction

Abstract

How does power work in a world of ever-growing complexity? In this chapter the author introduces the argument that we can do so by introducing the concepts of complexity into the theory of hegemony. It introduces the idea of social complexity as providing a set of models and tools enabling order to be brought to bear upon complex social phenomena. It discusses the commonalities between the Gramscian tradition of hegemonic political theory and elements of complexity theory. Finally, it summarises the argument pursued in the rest of the book, the deployment of an original account of social complexity to rethink hegemony theory.