The Tropical Silk Road: The Future of China in South America

This book explores the intersection of China's expanding influence in South America and the disintegration of the Amazonian, Cerrado, and Andean biomes. It offers a grassroots-based analysis of China's presence in South America, highlighting emerging voices and forms of resistance in a post-US centered world order.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 472 pages
Publication date: 29 November 2022
Publisher: Stanford University Press

This book explores a pivotal moment in the global landscape, where two transformative processes collide: the rapid expansion of the People's Republic of China's influence in the global south and the disintegration of the Amazonian, Cerrado, and Andean biomes. This intersection reached a significant milestone in April 2020, when Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled a New Health Silk Road agenda, aimed at providing aid and investment through South America. This initiative extended the Eurasian-African Belt and Road Initiative to encompass a series of mega projects in the Latin American tropics, including mines, ports, energy, infrastructure, and agrobusiness ventures.

To delve into this complex phenomenon, this volume brings together a diverse range of contributors, including economists, anthropologists, political scientists, Black, feminist, and Indigenous community organizers, Chinese stakeholders, environmental activists, and local journalists. Through thirty concise essays, they offer a groundbreaking analysis of China's presence in South America.

As cracks emerge in the progressive legacy of the Pink Tide and the failures of ecocidal right-wing populisms, this book provides a grassroots-level perspective on a post-US-centered world order. It also includes a comprehensive map of the stakes for South America, highlighting emerging voices and forms of resistance.

The book explores the multifaceted impacts of China's engagement with South America, including economic, social, and environmental dimensions. It examines how China's investments and aid programs are shaping local economies, communities, and ecosystems, as well as the challenges and opportunities they present. The authors also shed light on the political dynamics at play, including the influence of Chinese companies, the role of regional institutions, and the responses of local populations.

One of the key themes of the book is the impact of China's development model on the region. While China has brought economic growth and infrastructure development to many parts of South America, it has also faced criticism for its environmental practices, labor rights abuses, and disregard for local sovereignty. The authors argue that the New Health Silk Road agenda offers an opportunity for China to engage more responsibly with South America, but that it requires a shift in approach that prioritizes sustainable development, human rights, and democratic governance.

Another important aspect of the book is the role of South America in shaping the global landscape. As China's influence grows, South America becomes increasingly important in global politics and economics. The book highlights the potential for South America to leverage its natural resources, cultural heritage, and political diversity to assert its autonomy and influence in the world. However, it also acknowledges the challenges that South America faces, including poverty, inequality, and political instability, which can hinder its ability to navigate the complex dynamics of the global economy.

The book also explores the cultural and social dimensions of China's engagement with South America. It examines how Chinese immigrants and workers are integrating into local communities, as well as the impact of Chinese culture and technology on South American society. The authors note that while there are opportunities for cultural exchange and collaboration, there are also concerns about the potential for cultural homogenization and the erosion of local traditions.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of China's presence in South America. It offers a valuable perspective on a complex and rapidly evolving region, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that arise from the intersection of China's expansion and the disintegration of the Amazonian, Cerrado, and Andean biomes. Through its diverse range of contributors and grassroots-level approach, the book provides a roadmap for understanding the future of China's engagement with South America and its implications for the global landscape.

Weight: 720g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503633803