The End Game of Foreign Policy:An Analysis of the Leading Participants in the Belt and Road Initiative
Standing
Undergraduate
Type of Proposal
Oral Research Presentation
Challenges Theme
Open Challenge
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Tom Najem
Proposal
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is one of the most important developments that the world has ever seen. Set out in 2013, this project, originally called One Silk One Road, has become China’s new foreign policy strategy with the goal of increasing foreign investment and expanding influence in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Much of the projects seen being developed in the BRI are likely to shape the future of global trade, including sustainability. While many countries around the world have had to rely on Western institutions for international funding and investment – including human rights guidelines, sustainability, and labour standards - the BRI has changed the landscape completely. However, as many of these countries that China is partnering with as part of the project already received or used to receive funds from Western countries, how does it differ? Why may some choose China instead? This paper will develop a comparative analysis between the countries of Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the two of the biggest recipients of the initiative so far, to analyze what projects are currently being developed, how these investments are viewed by government and citizens, including considerations of risks and benefits, and how these investments differ from Western investments. This analysis will be conducted through qualitative analysis as well as the use of small state theory to provide an in-depth analysis of the case study.
Grand Challenges
Viable, Healthy and Safe Communities
The End Game of Foreign Policy:An Analysis of the Leading Participants in the Belt and Road Initiative
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is one of the most important developments that the world has ever seen. Set out in 2013, this project, originally called One Silk One Road, has become China’s new foreign policy strategy with the goal of increasing foreign investment and expanding influence in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Much of the projects seen being developed in the BRI are likely to shape the future of global trade, including sustainability. While many countries around the world have had to rely on Western institutions for international funding and investment – including human rights guidelines, sustainability, and labour standards - the BRI has changed the landscape completely. However, as many of these countries that China is partnering with as part of the project already received or used to receive funds from Western countries, how does it differ? Why may some choose China instead? This paper will develop a comparative analysis between the countries of Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the two of the biggest recipients of the initiative so far, to analyze what projects are currently being developed, how these investments are viewed by government and citizens, including considerations of risks and benefits, and how these investments differ from Western investments. This analysis will be conducted through qualitative analysis as well as the use of small state theory to provide an in-depth analysis of the case study.