Unlike the Hegemonic Feudal Lord where power flows up, power flows to the Hegemonic System Administrator but also through the HSA to others.

Any worker with access can interact with other network users without going through the administrator, but they have to use the network provided by the administrator. That's what a HSA does, maintain the network and ensure access for all users.

Through the HSA concept. LIke a systems administrator in an office, that person controls the network. They control who has access, sets the policy, protect it from hackers and viruses, and ensure the network remains online.

I coined the term "Hegemonic Feudal Lord" which means the hegemonic dominates over the smaller countries by demanding tribute and loyalty. Power flows up to the hegemon. But how does this work in a post colonial, post imperial world where alliances and trade agreements criss-cross around the world?

To add a little bit more about this concept, I developed it from papers on China and what people have written about multipolarity and great power competition. IR practitioners and academics talk about the return of spheres of influence where great powers "rule the roost" of their geographical area.

Because multiple hegemons can build networks, competition among great powers centers on control of indispensable networks.

HSA concept examines how a hegemon projects power through the management of networks. It updates Hegemonic Stability Theory (HST) for the digital age by showing how a hegemon can stabilize its network while using exclusion as leverage against dependent states.

Similarly, the HSA is a state that manages the global networks on which other nations depend. It exercises authority by establishing network permissions, maintaining stability, and resolving disruptions to keep the system online.

To understand the idea of the Hegemonic System Administrator, think of the VISA credit card company. While customers and producers exchange their money in transactions, VISA’s power comes from creating, operating, and securing the network they all rely on.

This framework synthesizes three concepts in international relations: hegemonic stability theory, weaponized interdependence, and network analysis.

The HSA is the state that maintains and secures the global network on which others rely. It does so by establishing network permissions, preserving stability, and resolving disruptions.

Finally, the article explains if offshore balancing can be a successful strategy in the 21st century.

Its naval superiority (investments in ship construction and steam propulsion), and control of the maritime domain (use of colonial possession to project naval power) contributed in the execution of this strategy.

Using the International Relations theory of realism and the idea of balance of power as its frame, the article examines how Great Britain's geographical location (strategic depth),