Beyond Geopolitics: A Geoeconomic Perspective of China-Iran Belt and Road Initiative Relations

Abstract

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is the largest regional development project in the history of global development. It is estimated that Chinese companies will invest up to $1.2 trillion in infrastructure development in Asia and elsewhere in the coming years. However, there are many obstacles to the successful implementation of this initiative in the host countries, including geographical factors, local culture, geopolitical contestation, public attitudes, institutional capacity, and governance quality. These challenges can substantially diminish the coherence of the BRI and prevent its effective implementation. This study aims to develop an analytical framework for exploring the risks associated with and challenges of executing BRI projects in Iran.

Keywords

Belt and Road Initiative, geospatial environment, risk assessment, geoeconomic

Citation

Seyedashkan Madani, “Beyond Geopolitics: A Geoeconomic Perspective of China-Iran Belt and Road Initiative Relations”, International Relations, Vol. 19, No. 74, 2022, pp. 53-72, DOI: 10.33458/uidergisi.1121604

Affiliations

• Seyedashkan MADANI, Ph.D. Student, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of International and Public Affairs