The belt and road initiative and global governance

This timely book examines the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), assessing its effect on the international economic order and global governance more broadly. Through a variety of qualitative case studies the book investigates the implementation of the BRI and evaluates its development outcomes both for China and the countries it interacts with under the initiative, along with its international implications. Chapters discuss as-yet-unexplored cases from the ground in brand new studies based on fieldwork by leading academics, as well as providing alternative readings of the rationale behind the BRI. Questions about connectivity and the financial implications of Chinese investments are addressed, taking a balanced approach that demonstrates the complexity and nuance of these issues, and the far-from-linear impact that the BRI is having on global governance. This incisive book will be critical reading for scholars and policy makers working on China and global governance. It will also provide useful insights for officials and practitioners working in BRI countries and international institutions, think-tanks and NGOs.-- The Belt and Road Initiative and global governance: by way of Introduction, Maria Adele Carrai, Jean-Christophe Defraigne and Jan Wouters -- Part I Geoeconomics and Connectivity -- 2 China’s move toward economic and political resilience through the Belt and Road Initiative, Christer Ljungwall -- 3 The Belt and Road Initiative, the economic integration of the Eurasian continent and the international division of labour, Jean-Christophe Defraigne -- 4 Connectivity and gaps: the bridging links and missed links of China’s BRI in Southeast Asia, Cheng-Chwee Kuik -- 5 The Belt and Road Initiative: an interface with multilateral development banks on international cooperation and global governance, Suresh Nanwani -- Part II Rationales Of The Bri From China’s Perspective -- 6 The Belt and Road Initiative and the overcapacity connection, Duncan Freeman -- 7 The “internationalization” of the renminbi: toward an “RMBRI”?, Jean-François Di Meglio -- 8 Examining the importance of the New Silk Roads for Africa and for global governance, Thierry Pairault -- PART III CASES FROM THE GROUND -- 9 Kazakhstan’s adaptation to the Belt and Road Initiative: tracing changes in domestic governance, Nargis Kassenova -- 10 African agency in the Belt and Road Initiative: Kenya’s rail investment as China’s flagship BRI project in Africa, Uwe Wissenbach -- 11 Where is the Belt and Road Initiative taking international labour rights? An examination of worker abuse by Chinese firms in Saipan, Aaron Halegua -- 12 Conclusion: China’s Belt and Road Initiative – imagination and reality, François Godement -- Inde