Crimes of a 'benevolent' hegemony: Configurations of UK power in Northern Ireland and Iraq

Themes of hegemony and neoliberalism are explored in this paper that looks at UK role in crimes against humanity in Ireland and in Iraq, either alone or as part of a hegemonic coalition that claims to be fighting a brutal, unjust, and uncivilized insurgency. The common thread that ties crimes spanning 100 years is the narrative of the 'benevolent' hegemon that kills, tortures, enslaves, and occupies for the good of the victims. Power is exercised by the hegemon through military and political domination under the guise of a civilized protector, liberator, and the bearer of progress and order.