Global Perspectives on China's Belt and Road Initiative: Asserting Agency through Regional Connectivity

The China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has launched in 2013 and has reshaped local economies and regional networks. This book provides global perspectives and case studies on how local actors shape the BRI, revealing how Chinese efforts to recalibrate the world are taken up, challenged, revamped, and reworked in diverse contexts.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 350 pages
\n Publication date: 20 January 2021
\n Publisher: Amsterdam University Press
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The year 2013 marked the inception of the largest and most influential investment initiative in recent memory: China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This expansive global strategy has profoundly impacted local economies and regional networks, sparking intense debate among scholars and practitioners alike. To unravel the intricate dynamics enabled by the BRI, we must adopt a truly global perspective while also paying close attention to the role of local actors in shaping individual projects.

The contributions in Global Perspectives on China's Belt and Road Initiative: Asserting Agency through Regional Connectivity offer a comprehensive examination of China's role in regional and global interactions. Written by esteemed area studies scholars with diverse disciplinary backgrounds, this book delves into the intricate ways in which Chinese efforts to reshape the global landscape are embraced, challenged, modified, and reimagined in diverse contexts worldwide.

The book begins by providing a broad overview of China's BRI, highlighting its objectives, strategies, and implications. It explores how the initiative has reshaped economic landscapes, promoted infrastructure development, and fostered cultural exchange across continents. The authors then delve into the complex dynamics of agency within the BRI, examining how local actors, governments, businesses, and communities have responded to and influenced the initiative.

Through detailed case studies, the book showcases the diverse ways in which the BRI is being implemented and the varying outcomes it has produced. It examines projects in countries such as China, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that arise from China's engagement in these regions. The authors argue that the BRI is not a one-size-fits-all approach and that local contexts and actors play a crucial role in determining the success and sustainability of individual projects.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of understanding the role of power dynamics in shaping the BRI. The authors argue that China's rise as a global power has led to increased competition and tensions with other countries, particularly in the Western world. As a result, the BRI is seen as an opportunity for China to assert its influence and expand its economic and political reach. However, the authors also note that the BRI is not without its challenges, including concerns about debt sustainability, environmental impact, and political stability.

Another important theme of the book is the role of regional connectivity in promoting economic development and stability. The authors argue that the BRI has the potential to create new economic opportunities and foster regional cooperation, particularly in areas where traditional trade routes have been disrupted or limited. By promoting infrastructure development, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connections, the BRI can help to bridge the gap between different regions and promote economic growth and stability.

However, the book also raises important questions about the sustainability and long-term viability of the BRI. The authors argue that the initiative's emphasis on infrastructure development may lead to short-term gains but may not address the underlying structural issues that contribute to poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. Additionally, there are concerns about the political and economic implications of China's growing influence in different regions, particularly in the context of regional rivalries and geopolitical tensions.

In conclusion, Global Perspectives on China's Belt and Road Initiative: Asserting Agency through Regional Connectivity provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about China's global engagement. By adopting a multi-dimensional approach that considers both global and local perspectives, the book offers a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics enabled by the BRI. The contributions of the authors shed light on the diverse ways in which the initiative is being implemented, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and the role of agency in shaping its outcomes. This book will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and practitioners alike, as it provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of global politics and economics.

\n Weight: 676g\n
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9789463727853\n \n