The Geopolitics of China's Belt and Road Initiative

The book "The Belt and Road Initiative: A Geopolitical Project" argues that China's BRI should be seen as a geopolitical project, focusing on building relationships with political elites in the Global South through infrastructure projects, leading to changes in states' geopolitical preferences and foreign policies. This non-territorial "empire" building is a major new development in international relations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 316 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The book makes a compelling argument that China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) should be viewed as a geopolitical project rather than merely a global economic initiative. It suggests that China's international strategy encompasses two distinct personas: one aggressive, reminiscent of a nineteenth-century territorial empire, aimed at exerting influence over Taiwan and the surrounding seas. The other persona is characterized by a focus on building relationships with political elites in countries in the Global South, utilizing large-scale infrastructure projects to secure the elites' hold on power. This approach often results in lower democratic participation and weaker governance structures. Furthermore, the book demonstrates how these relationships with elites lead to the acceptance of Chinese norms and the alignment of states' geopolitical preferences and foreign policies with China's geopolitical interests. As a result, states willingly join China's emerging international order, contributing to the establishment of a new global order led by China.

The book emphasizes that this non-territorial "empire" building based on relationships represents a significant shift in international relations, which has yet to receive the full recognition and attention of international relations experts and theorists. It sheds light on the complex dynamics and power dynamics at play in the global arena, challenging traditional notions of sovereignty and territorial dominance. By examining the BRI through the lens of geopolitical analysis, the book offers valuable insights into China's strategic objectives, its impact on regional and global stability, and the potential challenges and opportunities it presents for countries around the world.

In conclusion, the book's argument that the BRI should be seen as a geopolitical project rather than a global economic initiative is a thought-provoking and timely contribution to the field of international relations. It provides a nuanced understanding of China's international strategy and its implications for the future of global politics. By highlighting the two personas of China's international approach and the role of infrastructure projects in securing elite power, the book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of power and influence in the contemporary world. As international relations continue to evolve, it is essential to engage with and understand China's BRI in a broader geopolitical context to better navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032615981