This research investigates the relationship between the Polish and German national self-perception and the perception of the United States (US) hegemony within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) from 1999 until the beginning of 2025. It aims to explore the shifts in these perceptions by conducting a structured analysis of transcribed speeches by high-ranking government officials, as well as contribute to the existing literature. It does so by a process of coding defined in the analytical framework, which is based on role theory and the different typologies of hegemony. The findings show that Poland moved from a role of Faithful Ally toward Regional Protector, maintaining a relatively stable perception of the US as a benevolent or reluctant hegemon. Germany’s perception of the hegemon was more directly connected with its self-perception, emphasizing its role as a Faithful Ally when the US was seen as benevolent, and shifting toward Regional Leader when the US appeared to be facing institutional constraints. This study contributes to the broader understanding of alliance dynamics by highlighting how national role conceptions and the perception of the hegemon change over time.