Modern Systems Theory and Hegemony Jason F Charrette NORTHEASTERN POLITICAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION 46th Annual Meeting November 13-15, 2014 Boston, MA Abstract This paper presents the logic of modern systems theory and explains how and why this theoretical perspective can assist IR in better understanding the international environment through the introduction of a new theory of hegemony premised on this theoretical apparatus. Substantively, it briefly advances the notion that a systemically relevant function within world society is one of “system administration” – a position which maintains the functional differentiation of world society. As an organization of the political system, the United States serves as a system administrator when it engages in conflict with actors and other organizations that seek to replace this functional differentiation with domination by only one stream of communication. The United States is thus most systemically important when it actively engages in the War on Terror or in active opposition to other attempts by other organization to achieve communicative hegemony. 1