ABSTRACT
In recognising that the BRI supports regional integration dynamics within different regional settings, the question arises: to what extent does it conform to contemporary regional integration processes? For one, the persistent relevance of regions in international politics is identifiable from a theoretical and practical political perspective. However, with regard to regional integration processes, we can identify between state-led (so-called top-down) and non-state-led (so-called bottom-up) processes, with the latest one being characterised as representing contemporary regional integration processes. As the BRI is modelled on China’s own successful developmental experience with the state a prominent role in it, the question thus arises: are we witnessing the return of state-led, top-down, regional integration processes?
