CPEC Connectivity & Regional Integration: A Mahanian Overview of Strategic & Geopolitical Implications

Abstract

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project within China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aims to enhance connectivity and foster regional integration across South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. This study examines the economic and geopolitical implications of CPEC for Pakistan, analyzing its impact on national development, regional power dynamics, and Pakistan's strategic orientation. Using qualitative methodology, the research gathers insights from diverse stakeholders to address both the economic opportunities and geopolitical challenges associated with the initiative. CPEC’s primary goal is to establish a network of pipelines, railroads, and highways linking China’s Xinjiang region with Pakistan’s Gwadar Port in Baluchistan, thus providing China with a strategic alternative to the Malacca Strait. Drawing on Mahan’s naval theory, which emphasizes the significance of maritime dominance for national prosperity, the paper explores China's motivations and the strategic rivalry involving India and the United States. The analysis relies on secondary sources, including government reports, academic publications, and policy studies, to evaluate CPEC's multifaceted impact. The findings underscore that while CPEC has the potential to transform Pakistan’s connectivity and economic landscape, its success requires proactive measures by Pakistani stakeholders to address both internal and external risks. Effective governance, inclusive policies, and sustained regional cooperation are essential to realizing CPEC’s promise for sustainable growth and regional stability, aligning with Pakistan's evolving geo-economic landscape.