China's Belt and Road Initiative: Strategic and Economic Impacts on Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Eastern Europe

This edited volume evaluates the strategic and economic impacts of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Eastern Europe, challenging mainstream interpretations and highlighting the need for a more realistic view of its economic benefits. It includes case studies from Finland, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Poland, Thailand, South Asia, and Africa, and encourages critical thinking about the BRI's aims and impacts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This edited volume offers a comprehensive and multifaceted evaluation of the strategic and economic implications of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) across three regions: Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Eastern Europe. The contributions to this book underscore the need for a more realistic assessment of the anticipated economic benefits of the New Silk Road. The contributors examine the strategic consequences of China's opaque long-term grand strategy on the regional and global political landscape. Specific countries covered include Finland, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Poland, and Thailand. Additionally, case studies from South Asia and Africa, notably India and Ethiopia, provide valuable insights for comparative analysis. By encouraging readers to critically interrogate mainstream interpretations of the BRI's aims and outcomes, this book appeals to scholars and students from diverse disciplines, including Political Science, International Relations, Political Geography, Sociology, Economics, International Development, and Chinese Studies.

Introduction:
The BRI, launched by China in 2013, is a vast infrastructure project aimed at connecting China with Europe, Asia, and Africa through a network of roads, railways, ports, and power plants. The initiative has garnered significant attention and interest from both policymakers and scholars due to its potential to reshape global economic and political dynamics. This edited volume seeks to contribute to the ongoing debate by presenting a diverse range of perspectives and analyses on the BRI's impacts in the three regions mentioned above.

Chapter 1:
In the first chapter, the authors explore the historical and cultural context of the BRI and its significance in China's foreign policy. They argue that the BRI is not merely a economic project but also a geopolitical tool designed to enhance China's influence and prestige in the region. The chapter also highlights the challenges and risks associated with the BRI, such as environmental degradation, debt sustainability, and political instability.

Chapter 2:
Chapter 2 examines the economic impacts of the BRI on the three regions. The authors analyze the potential benefits and challenges of investment and trade flows within the BRI network. They discuss the opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction, as well as the potential risks of market competition, trade imbalances, and regional economic shocks.

Chapter 3:
Chapter 3 focuses on the strategic implications of the BRI on regional and global politics. The authors examine the potential for the BRI to promote regional cooperation and stability, as well as the potential for it to exacerbate regional tensions and conflicts. They also discuss the role of the United States and other Western countries in responding to the BRI and the challenges they face in shaping the regional and global political order.

Chapter 4:
Chapter 4 explores the social and cultural impacts of the BRI on the three regions. The authors examine the potential for the BRI to promote cultural exchange, education, and social development, as well as the potential for it to exacerbate social inequalities, cultural clashes, and environmental degradation.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this edited volume provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate on the BRI's impacts. The contributions demonstrate the need for a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the BRI's strategic and economic implications in the three regions studied. The book encourages readers to critically challenge mainstream interpretations of the BRI and to consider the diverse range of perspectives and experiences that shape its outcomes.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367517045