ABSTRACT
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), referred to as “the most significant and far-reaching initiative that China has ever put forward,” is increasing China’s power, influence, and interests around the globe. The BRI is a series of infrastructure construction and investment projects that fit under two large umbrellas: the seaborne Maritime Silk Road Initiative and the overland Silk Road Economic Belt. Initially envisioned as having a focus on Eurasia and the Indian Ocean Region, its scope has since broadened as China’s ambitions have grown, and the BRI has come to include Latin America, the Arctic, and space. The BRI, as articulated by China, represents a “new model of international relations” based upon mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation, and forges partnerships through dialogue rather than confrontation and friendship rather than alliance. China’s careful messaging of an apolitical initiative aside, many have concluded that the BRI is an inherently political and/or strategic undertaking.
