Redefining the Belt and Road Initiative in a Post-Pandemic World

A Critical Approach

As discussed in the article “China’s Belt and Road Initiative“, the Silk Road has been brought again to life under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, also known as BRI in short. This plan falls under China’s wider scope to become a leading Asian power at the global level.

In the wake of the pandemic, the world experienced multiple side effects from the imposed lockdowns; global trade suffered from cross-border restrictions, recession and an anti-Chinese movement owing to the virus originating from China.

Despite these challenges, China tackled the virus crisis faster than other countries. The global demand for health supplies and the unforeseen rise in digital commerce accelerated the Health and Digital Silk Road. This new trend allowed the Chinese expertise to export its innovation and knowledge abroad through the Belt Road Initiative. Read more

19 February 2022/0 Comments/by Athina

Asia, Editorial

China’s Belt and Road Initiative

The revival of Silk Road

The Belt and Road Initiative, BRI in short, reflects China’s vision to revive the ancient trading routes that connect the East with the West. The Modern Silk Road represents the largest market worldwide that accounts for 3 billion people and extends beyond the three continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe.

The idea was born for the first time in 2013 when the Chinese President visited Kazakhstan. The goal was to highlight the crucial role of Central Asia in the regional economy; a year later, the Chinese national agenda incorporated the Silk Road initiative. The section below aims to explore further this initiative by breaking down its core elements. Read more

15 January 2022/0 Comments/by Athina

Conflict and Security, Editorial

US Sanctions On China

The US-China relations and the role of economic sanctions

The strife between the United States and China for global dominance – whether that be on the Innovation & Technology or Financial sector – reflects also on the imposition of sanctions among the two countries. Read more

20 September 2020/0 Comments/by Athina

Conflict and Security

Rising Tension in the Arctic Circle

A revival of the Cold War era?

By the end of the Cold War, regional claims in the Arctic Circle had started to fall apart. First of all, the Western World did not have to compete anymore with the Soviet Union over military presence in geostrategic locations all over the world including the Far North. Another important parameter was the cold weather that was making vast areas of ice covering the North Pole difficult to reach, which had put off potential investment plans.

This period of idleness and the absence of military activity in the Arctic was yet to be interrupted by the latest global warmth. With the Arctic ice melting at a much more accelerating pace compared to the rest of the world, a previously inaccessible region is now becoming easier to reach and explore. According to NASA, the Arctic sea ice is dropping by nearly 13% per decade, reaching its lowest point in 2012.

As expected, more countries have started to reconsider their national strategy in the Far North; aiming to exert control over the Arctic natural resources including hydrocarbon reserves, fish and minerals.