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This article focuses on the role power exerts in influencing the nature & dynamics of the contemporary international system. To this aim, the A. suggests a typology of the contemporary system conceptions that is built on two basic features of power in international life, namely its distribution & legitimacy. Basing upon this typology, the A. maintains that the contemporary system is conceivable as an hegemonic situation because it shows a unipolar distribution of power capabilities, & because the overwhelming power of the US can be considered as being legitimate. Given the distinction between unipolarity & hegemony, the A. argues the former delivers particularly difficult tasks to the latter: the hegemonic stabilizing function faces several & severe problems related to the production of regional stability in a structural environment lacking a single & clear threat that makes the major actors' security needs consistent. Moreover, the A. argues the hegemon lacks the specific capability that is necessary to perform these tasks, namely armed forces. In consequence, the hegemony of the contemporary unipolar system may have limited options, & it may need multilateral & institutional support to manage world affairs just because of its own power superiority. 6 Tables, 68 References. Adapted from the source document.