How think tanks shape discourse: An analysis of China's Belt and Road Initiative in the European Union through a case study of Greece

Following the Belt and Road Initiative's debut in 2013, member states of the European Union have not agreed on a single approach to handling it. Skepticism can be felt throughout Europe on the topic and especially through think tanks, as Greece becomes a pivotal partner in the Chinese venture. The role of these think tanks is somewhat ambiguous in nature when it comes to examining political discourse. It is established that think tanks are important in the policy- making process for research and recommending strategies. As the world becomes increasingly more complex and uncertain, think tanks have the ability to provide well-analyzed solutions. However, how they shape discourse is up for debate and to what extent they do so. Therefore, in this thesis, think tanks are assumed as functional actors under the securitization theory from a framing perspective that influences topics of debate, such as the Belt and Road Initiative. Although their discourse heavily corresponds with Europe's mistrust of China's economic intentions, as seen with the port of Piraeus, think tanks act as facilitators rather than independent actors for policy change. Thus, this paper will be of interest to students, academics, and political science practitioners