Network Structure Analysis of Bilateral Investments of One Belt, One Road Initiative Countries

Abstract

The promulgation of the Belt and Road Initiative brings to fore the shift in world economic power to the east. The relations between members of Initiative and the changes of their positions will determine the long-term success or otherwise of this Initiative. The paper adopts social network analysis to set up the network relation between member countries, studies the network structure and its evolution trends, and identifies the position and role of members in the Initiative with data from bilateral investments for the period 2005 to 2015. We conclude that the network structure of Belt, Road Initiative’s broad purpose of ensuring a greater level of economic integration between and among countries on the Belt, Road corridor with regards to bilateral investments is gradually being achieved although at a slower pace than may have been expected by framers of the Initiative with less influence being exerted by China. The beneficial economic integration will be very much enhanced with China in the core position.

Keywords: Bilateral Investments, Social Network Structure, Belt and Road Initiative