Description
Book SynopsisThis timely book offers a critical account of key governance challenges of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Illustrating China’s efforts to expand its idea of a sustainable eco-civilization, thereby ‘greening’ the BRI, it explores the disputes that have emerged from this process and subsequent complications resulting from geopolitical competition.
R. James Ferguson presents a critical analysis of China’s Green BRI, discussing the environmental impact of BRI corridors and its overall importance in harmonising the twin policy agendas of human development and environmental preservation. The author evaluates security and geopolitical challenges for the BRI in the context of China’s new globalism and emerging asymmetric co-governance. Demonstrating the need for improved governance of the BRI for a sustainability transition in global affairs, Ferguson suggests a range of strategies to compete with, complement or transform the BRI into a more multilaterized Green BRI.
This cutting-edge book is crucial reading for academics and researchers in political science and international relations focusing on contemporary Chinese governance and the significance of sustainable development for the BRI. Its unique practical insights and policy recommendations will also benefit policy advisors and environmental organizations that are engaging with green governance issues.
Trade Review‘If the future direction of China's Belt and Roads initiative has baffled you, this book is the key to unlock its mysteries. The author – a world authority on the subject – not only provides a clear account of what has happened in the “greening” of the Belt and Roads since its inception, but also places the analysis within the context of the raging controversy about Chinese foreign policy. Ferguson provides a compelling case for a more sober debate regarding Beijing's attempt to bring human development and environmental needs into harmony. This is a must-read for anyone who has an interest in the future.’ -- Joseph M. Siracusa, Curtin University (Perth) and Australia Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Australia
Table of ContentsContents: PART I GREENING THE BELT AND ROAD 1. Green silk: China’s governance gamble 2. Eco-Civilizations in the global context 3. Greening the Belt and Road Initiatives 4. Knowledge production for the BRI: open narratives as networked power 5. Central and northern corridors as governance challenges PART II THE SECURITY NEXUS 6. Contested maritime and Pacific links 7. China: a net security stakeholder? PART III CHINA’S CHALLENGED VISION OF GLOBAL ORDER 8. China’s new globalism: engaging the opposition? 9. The China paradox: asymmetric co-governance PART IV CONCLUSION – THE NEED FOR REFORM 10. Evolving beyond the global governance deficit Bibliography Index
