How Gramsci’s theory of 'hegemony' has framed my worldview

One of the skills we learn in primary school is inference – the ability to “read between the lines.” Completing an undergraduate and master’s degree in social sciences, I further developed this ability: especially using the lens of power structures – which are often unseen – to understand the global political and economic order. However, being able to explain exactly how these unseen forces result in systemic inequalities and marginalisation is a lot more difficult (especially in the heat-of-the moment dinner table debates with distant relatives).

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However, I’ve since realised that Antonio Gramsci’s concept of "hegemony" is a useful way to understand inequities and injustice in our world today. This more contextual framing helps uncover the underlying and historically relevant power dynamics which result in how the media frames conflicts such as the current situation in Palestine.

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Understanding Hegemony: A lens for nuanced global politics

The concept of hegemony is fundamental to understanding how societies are structured and controlled. Hegemony, in simple terms, is the way that dominant groups in society maintain their power not just through force, but by winning the consent of the people. They do this by shaping ideas, beliefs, and values in a way that makes their dominance seem natural and justified. This means that the ruling group’s way of seeing the world becomes the accepted norm, influencing everything from politics to culture.

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For instance, in many Western countries, there is widespread belief in the free market. Major international institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) promote policies that favour market liberalisation, privatisation, and deregulation. These policies are often presented as the only viable path to development and prosperity. Because the World Bank and the IMF are seen as global authorities on economics (which is better understood when you look into their colonial roots), their views become the norm. However, this belief is contested by many who argue that such policies disproportionately benefit wealthy nations and multinational corporations (those who are behind the creation and enforcement of such policies), while exacerbating inequality and wellbeing for others.

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By using hegemony as a lens to view global politics, we can better understand why certain narratives dominate and others are marginalised. It helps explain why some voices are amplified while others are silenced. This framework is particularly useful when analysing conflicts like the Israel-Palestine situation and the role of Western media in shaping public perception. Understanding hegemony enables us to see the hidden power dynamics and question the seemingly natural order of things, leading to a more nuanced and critical perspective on global issues.

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The Israel-Palestine Conflict: A Case Study in Hegemonic Discourse

The Israel-Palestine conflict serves as a profound example of how hegemonic forces shape narratives and influence public opinion. This ongoing struggle, deeply rooted in historical, political, and cultural complexities, is often portrayed through a lens that reflects the interests and ideologies of dominant groups, particularly in Western societies. Western media coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict frequently exhibits a bias that aligns with the interests of powerful political and economic actors – those aligned to Israel, such as the US and the UK. This bias is reflected in the selection of news stories, and the language used to describe events.

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For instance, Palestinians are often depicted as aggressors or terrorists, while Israeli actions are portrayed as defensive measures necessary for national security. Journalists, academics, and activists who challenge the dominant narrative are frequently excluded from mainstream platforms, limiting the public’s exposure to alternative viewpoints, and reinforcing the existing power structure. There has also been a tactical move to label any anti-Zionists as antisemitic – this is a classic example of equivocation and a straw man argument, which are both logical fallacies that conflate two separate issues, and misrepresent the building blocks of an argument. This framing is not accidental, but is deeply rooted in broader ideological currents that dominate Western societies.

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One of the key aspects of hegemonic discourse is the construction of "otherness." In the context of Israel-Palestine, Western media often portrays Palestinians as the "other" – a monolithic group characterised by violence and extremism, for example, how the 7 October attack by Hamas was used as justification for Israel to launch an attack on Gaza. This portrayal is reinforced by the wider societal narrative of Islamophobia, which casts Muslims as a threat to Western values and security (noting, too, that not all Palestinians are Muslim, but this is how the media homogenises the group). By constructing Palestinians as the "other," Western media justifies Israeli policies and actions while marginalising Palestinian experiences and perspectives.

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The Role of Political Influence and Lobbying

This media bias is not by accident – it is by design. Israel's significant political influence in countries like the UK and the US further amplifies hegemonic narratives. Pro-Israel lobby groups, such as AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee), play a crucial role in shaping public discourse and policy. These groups exert considerable influence over policymakers and media outlets, ensuring that narratives supporting Israeli policies are prominently featured while dissenting voices are sidelined. This political influence reinforces the hegemonic discourse that portrays Israel as a democratic ally in a hostile region and Palestinians as adversaries.

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The biased coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict has profound implications. It shapes public opinion, influences policy decisions, and perpetuates a cycle of misunderstanding and conflict. By consistently framing the conflict in a way that favours one side, Western media contributes to the dehumanisation of Palestinians and the normalisation of their suffering.

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Challenging Hegemonic Narratives

Despite the dominance of hegemonic narratives, numerous efforts challenge and dismantle these discourses, fostering a more just and equitable understanding of complex issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict. Alternative media outlets, grassroots movements, and social media platforms play pivotal roles in amplifying marginalised voices and presenting diverse perspectives. Organisations such as Jewish Voice for Peace and the BDS movement advocate for Palestinian rights, while independent news sources and digital activism provide critical analyses often missing in mainstream media. Additionally, academics, artists, and human rights groups contribute to this counter-hegemonic effort by offering scholarly critiques, compelling narratives, and legal advocacy that question dominant discourses and reveal underlying power dynamics. These collective actions are essential for promoting justice and equity, encouraging us to seek diverse viewpoints and support alternative voices in our quest for a more nuanced and informed understanding of global issues.

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Embracing Gramsci's Legacy for a More Nuanced Worldview

Gramsci’s theorisation of hegemony offers a powerful tool for understanding the complexities of global politics. By critically examining the dominant narratives that shape our perceptions and uncovering the underlying power dynamics, we can develop a more nuanced and informed worldview. The Israel-Palestine conflict, through the lens of Western media bias and political influence, illustrates the importance of challenging hegemonic discourses and advocating for justice and equality. Embracing Gramsci’s legacy empowers us to question the status quo and have a more nuanced and contextual understanding of global politics.