I am delighted to announce that, over the next 2 years, a book on the maritime aspect of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will be co-authored with Associate Professor Kevin LO, an authority on Global China and the BRI.
Navigating the Waves of Global Connectivity
In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a visionary project designed to rejuvenate ancient trade routes and foster unprecedented global connectivity. While much attention has been given to the overland Silk Road Economic Belt, the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road (MSR)—a network of sea routes spanning from East Asia to Europe—has emerged as a critical, yet understudied, pillar of China’s global strategy.
The Belt and Road Initiative and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road: A Global Study From Europe to the Asia-Pacific (working title) will offer the first comprehensive, multi-regional analysis of the MSR’s geopolitical, economic, and environmental impacts. Drawing on our academic backgrounds and personal experiences in Greece, Hong Kong, and Australia—three pivotal nodes in the BRI—we aim to provide an unparalleled perspective on how the MSR is reshaping global trade, governance, and power dynamics.
Why This Book Matters
1. A Global Lens on the Maritime Silk Road
Unlike previous studies that focus on isolated aspects or regions, this book will adopt a global perspective, examining the MSR’s influence across Europe, Africa, the Asia-Pacific, and even the Arctic. By analyzing case studies from the Port of Piraeus to the South China Sea, the authors reveal how the MSR is not just an economic endeavor, but a strategic tool for China to assert its influence and challenge existing international regimes.
2. Unpacking Geopolitical Tensions and Local Realities
The MSR’s expansion has sparked both enthusiasm and controversy. The book will delve into contentious deals—such as China’s stake in the Port of Hamburg and the canceled BRI agreement in Australia’s Victoria state—to explore the tensions between economic benefits and national security concerns. Through discourse and framing analyses of media and official statements, the authors uncover how different actors perceive and respond to China’s maritime ambitions.
3. Environmental and Labor Challenges
While the MSR promises economic growth and connectivity, it also raises environmental and labor concerns. The modernization of ports like Piraeus has boosted trade but at a cost to local ecosystems and workers’ rights. The book will critically assess these trade-offs, offering insights into the sustainability of the MSR and the need for equitable development.
4. The Arctic and the Polar Silk Road
China’s ambitions extend beyond traditional maritime routes. The book will also examine the Polar Silk Road, China’s strategy to engage with Arctic nations and exploit new trade routes opened by climate change. This chapter will highlight the geopolitical implications of China’s Arctic forays and the mixed responses from Scandinavian countries, underscoring the MSR’s global reach.
Key Themes and Chapter Highlights (Under Progress)
| Chapter | Focus | Key Questions Addressed |
| Preface | Positionality & Motivation | Why study the MSR? How do the authors’ backgrounds inform their analysis? |
| Introduction | BRI & MSR Overview | What is the MSR, and why is it a game-changer in global politics? |
| Global China & the MSR | Geopolitics & Governance | How is China using the MSR to reshape global economic and political orders? |
| Port of Hamburg | European Skepticism | What does the COSCO deal reveal about Europe’s stance on Chinese investment? |
| Port of Piraeus | European Gateway | How has Piraeus become a symbol of China’s European expansion? |
| Scandinavian Question | Arctic Ambitions | What role do Nordic countries play in China’s Polar Silk Road? |
| South China Sea | Maritime Disputes | How do territorial conflicts challenge the MSR’s expansion? |
| India-China Rivalry | Maldives as Battleground | Why is the Maldives a flashpoint in the Indo-Pacific power struggle? |
| Australia’s Dilemma | Security vs. Economy | How is Australia balancing BRI opportunities with national security? |
| Small Island Developing States: Nauru | Fighting for survival | How does BRI seem to benefit SIDS and give them a helping hand to fight for their survival? |
| Conclusions | Future of the MSR | Can the MSR overcome its challenges and deliver on its promises? |
Who Should Read This Book?
- Academics & Researchers: Essential reading for scholars of international relations, political economy, and maritime studies.
- Policy Makers & Diplomats: Will offer critical insights for governments navigating the complexities of the BRI and MSR.
- General Readers: Accessible and engaging for anyone interested in the future of global connectivity and China’s rising influence.
A Call for Informed Dialogue
The Belt and Road Initiative and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road: A Global Study From Europe to the Asia-Pacific will hopefully be more than a scholarly work. As the MSR continues to evolve, its success will depend on transparency, sustainability, and cooperation. One of the main arguments will be that the initiative’s future hinges on addressing its challenges and ensuring that its benefits are shared equitably among all participating nations.
In a world where geopolitical tensions and economic interdependence are increasingly intertwined, this book will hopefully provide a timely and indispensable guide to understanding one of the most ambitious projects of our time.
Stay tuned for more info regarding this project in the coming two years.
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