The main aim of my thesis is to describe the development of the American dollar's position within the historical background, its role in a globalized economy and analyze the current position of the dollar as the world's leading currency. The thesis is divided into three parts. First part is dedicated to the theoretical background concerning exchange rates and currency regimes. The second chapter considers the history of the international monetary system with the relation to the dollar. The third chapter analyzes the current situation and characteristics determining the role of American dollar. This chapter also describes some problems of American economy, analyses exchange rate of dollar against Euro and gives possible forecast of dollar's position for the future.

The thesis deals with the development and prospects of the hegemonic U.S. position and analyzes the ability of its rivals to compete in hegemonic position. The first chapter introduces the fundamental theory and history related to the concept of hegemony, the second chapter compares the position and influence of the USA and its selected rivals in the world economy on the basis of individual attributes of hegemony and the third chapter examines the role of USD as the key world currency and possible alternatives to the current configuration of the international monetary system.