The Belt and Road Initiative in South-South Cooperation: The Impact on World Trade and Geopolitics

This book explores the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) from a global south perspective, providing historical context and explaining China's vision for coordinating actions in territorial, political, and economic spheres. It examines how the BRI generates economic returns for China and its political and economic impacts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 18 November 2021
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This book aims to shed light on the true implications of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for the global south, providing a historical context and elucidating the Chinese State's vision for coordinating actions in the territorial, political, and economic spheres on a multilateral scale. It delves into the question of how the BRI generates economic returns for China and explores the political and economic impacts of this ambitious project. In this thought-provoking and extensively researched new work, the authors offer a fresh framework for understanding the BRI, which will be valuable to scholars, policymakers, and economists alike.

The BRI, initiated by China in 2013, is a comprehensive economic and infrastructure development initiative that spans over 60 countries and regions. It involves a vast array of projects, including infrastructure construction, transportation networks, power grids, and financial institutions. The initiative aims to promote economic cooperation, trade, and investment between China and the participating countries, while also fostering cultural exchange and people-to-people ties.

One of the key objectives of the BRI is to alleviate poverty and promote economic development in the global south. By investing in infrastructure and providing access to capital and markets, China aims to stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities in these regions. The BRI has already led to significant infrastructure projects in countries such as Pakistan, Indonesia, and Malaysia, which have improved transportation links, increased energy access, and boosted economic activity.

However, the BRI has also been met with criticism and concerns from some countries and regions. Some critics argue that the BRI is a form of Chinese colonialism, as it involves the establishment of Chinese-controlled infrastructure and the import of Chinese labor and goods. Others are concerned about the environmental and social impact of the BRI, particularly in terms of land acquisition, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation.

Despite these criticisms, the BRI continues to gain momentum and support from many countries. China has emphasized the importance of the BRI in its foreign policy, and it has been welcomed by many developing countries as a means of promoting economic growth and reducing their dependence on traditional Western lenders. China has also offered financial incentives and technical assistance to participating countries, which has helped to facilitate the implementation of BRI projects.

In conclusion, the BRI is a complex and multifaceted initiative that has the potential to shape the future of global economic and political relations. While it has faced criticism and concerns, it has also garnered significant support and interest from many countries. As the BRI continues to evolve and expand, it will be important to closely monitor its impact on the global south and to work towards ensuring that it benefits all parties involved.

Weight: 481g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811663567
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021