A Review of Belt and Road: A Chinese World Order

Abstract

With the publication of The Belt and Road Initiative: A Chinese World Order, analytical analysis and critique of China's progress toward becoming a significant economic and political power have been provided. Bruno Maçes offers a comprehensive analysis of the role of China and her mega projects in the underpeopled countries which will lead China to become an economic world power. The constructions, bridges, roads, energy projects, and infrastructure development in countries like Pakistan, African countries, Sri Lanka, and other under-developed countries will surely change the existing world order.

provides an incisive and critical analysis of China’s diplomacy and foreign relations in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which he views as a strategic move towards the establishment of a new world order that will challenge the dominance of the United States in the global world (Afzaal, 2021). The BRI consists of massive infrastructure investment projects that are intended at boosting bilateral ties between China and the rest of the globe, according to the Chinese government. In order to realize this vision, the ‘Ancient Silk Road’ trade route connecting China to Central Asia, the Middle East, South-East Asia, and far-East Asia must be revitalized. China has invested significant resources in the development and dissemination of strategic narratives relating to the BRI in order to create a more favorable international environment for the initiative. The BRI is frequently referred to as the ‘One Belt and One Road’ (OBOR) initiative, which adds to the confusion of terminology.

A senior scholar at the Hudson Institute, Bruno Maçes is the author of The Dawn of Eurasia: On the Trail of the New World Order and the author of The Dawn of Eurasia. During the research for his debut book, which was published in 2018, he focused on integrating Europe and Asia. With a critical and all-inclusive background that includes economic development ideas while also relating it to the remaking of the global world order, his work about the Belt and Road Initiative is remarkable incisive and essential. Maçes place a strong focus on the global implications of the BRI, stating that “China will need to offer the world a vision of international order that is genuine and functional” in order to reveal new avenues of economic growth in the area (p. 168).

In chapter one, Maçes explains the background of BRI and considers it China’s main asset which can replace the existing word order. Along with discussing the key features and implications of the BRI, the author also presents an overview of the development of Horgos, Kazakhstan, as a dry port and gateway to Europe and a gateway to the Indian Ocean through Pakistan which represents the pinnacle of Chinese geopolitical ambition. Finally, having examined the Belt and Road Initiative from every available viewpoint, Maçes analyzes the obstacles associated with its implementation in light of China's growing economic, infrastructure, and geostrategic objectives in chapter two.

The third chapter provides an overview of the BRI, its syndication and impact on the world economy, and China’s entanglements with other world economic behemoths such as the United States and Russia. Also mentioned in the article is India's reluctance to join the BRI and its desire in promoting economic projects with the United States rather than the BRI. Finally, the author explains China's entry into the world economic arena as a new superpower, displacing the old economic giants and their hegemony, as well as a summary of the fundamental factors underpinning this trend. Maçes argues that the BRI is not only contributing to global economic activity but is also playing a significant role in military growth. Furthermore, Maçes gives compelling examples of how China's objectives and purpose in achieving enormous economic development might be implemented.

The fourth chapter substantiates the role played by the Belt and Road Initiative in world politics and elaborated BRI, and thus gaining link between the two opposites of the globe, e.g., Asia to Africa and then Europe, while laying the groundwork for global economic activities. Chapter four: While tracing the manifest politics of China's connectivity project and highlighting the nuances of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, Maçes is a remarkable documentary. This is explored concerning Indian attitudes and concerns over Pakistan's economic partnership with Iran (with her $500 million investment in Chabahar Port) and Afghanistan.

Finally, the final chapter provides insight into the anticipated outcomes of completing the BRI and China's economic position globally.

It is discussed in this article how China’s policies are geared at solidifying its position as the world’s largest trading centre. As a result, Xing (2018) believes that the OBOR “project” might be viewed as an “unintended consequence” of China's development trajectory over the previous four decades (p. 50). Furthermore, Afzaal (2019) explains the real significance of BRI and China’s role in raising her economy and bringing China as an economic giant in Asia and wells in the world. The final piece also discusses the ramifications of the massive project currently circulating the world.

Ultimately, the work includes a thorough and analytical look into the most significant momentous endeavour of economic, political, and cultural history on a global scale that has ever been undertaken. The researchers interested in educated, critical comments on diverse facets of BRI, policymakers, and investors from all business sectors will find this book to be an excellent guide. Not only is it essential reading for postgraduate students in business and economics, but it is essential reading for scholars of international relations and politics.