DEVELOPMENT THROUGH INFRASTRUCTURAL CONNECTIVITY: CHINA’S BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE AND POLICY OPTIONS FOR THE STATES INVOLVED

Abstract

Belt and Road initiative (BRI) is the revival of the ancient Silk Road. From the historical analysis of the ancient Silk Road, it could be easily understood that nations around the Silk Road have cultural assimilation fostering mutual cohesion. In this context, BRI was proposed by the Xi Jinping administration, which provides a ground for a very old idea of bringing Eurasians under the development phenomenon for achieving common economic growth goals. Indeed, BRI is not only initiated to promote trade, but it will also increase multidimensional cooperation among nations, such as a cultural and educational exchange. It will bring closer not only the regional countries but even the continents to each other. Moreover, BRI will bring new enthusiasm to the old idea, and provides grounds for development and achieving common goals between the states. BRI is deemed to be a game changer for the states involved and China itself.