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CHOICE Review

A collection of papers from a rolling seminar held at the Kennan Institute, at several political science conferences, and at Stanford, between 1980 and 1986. It examines and compares the operative dynamics of hegemonic systems, the intrasystemic bargaining strategies of both dominant and subordinate states, and the shifting costs and benefits of such systems over time. Attention is focused on the spheres of influence of the USSR and the US in Eastern Europe and Latin America, respectively; but other systems, past and present, are also included. Solid methodological essays are provided by David B. Abernethy, Paul Keal, Gabriel Almond, and the editor, Jan Triska. Jeffrey Hughes provides an outstanding study of the intricate bargaining strategies by subordinate Polish and Mexican governments. Also valuable are Richard Ned Lebow's comparison of Germany before 1914 with the hegemons of today, and Michael Handel's review of the forces eroding superpower control. Most contributors agree with Triska that `'domination, as practiced in the past, is no longer in the national interest of either superpower; in fact, it is detrimental to their interests.They cling to it from habit reinforced by old fears.'' Not all contributors were able to rise above value biases, demonstrating that these are issues of some political delicacy. Recommended for all academic collections.-E.M. Dew, Fairfield University