One Belt‚ One Road: A Comparative Regionalism Approach
in Cheng Y., Song L., Huang L. (eds) The Belt & Road Initiative in the Global Arena: Chinese and European Perspectives. Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-5921-6_7
12 Pages Posted: 19 Jan 2018 Last revised: 30 Dec 2020
Date Written: 2018
Abstract
This chapter aims to contribute to development of a conceptual framework for the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative, relying on studies of comparative regionalism. First, the chapter identifies the risk of domination of the geopolitical approach over OBOR thinking and describes the need to overcome this limitation by broadening the conceptual tools used. Second, the relevance of regionalism studies for OBOR is underlined. Third, OBOR is conceptualized as a “functional region,” which could help emergence of new “regional identities” along the Belt and Road. The chapter concludes by highlighting the advantages of integrating comparative regionalism into studies of the OBOR initiative.
Keywords: Belt and Road Initiative; Rise of China; China-Europe Relations; Multilateralism
JEL Classification: F02, F18, F50
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation