Work

The Structural Challenges of Transnationalizing the China-led BRI: The Case of Pakistan

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study uses a (geo-)political economic theory to explore and analyze how the China-led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been implemented in Pakistan, mainly by the Chinese state and state-led enterprises, resulting in some socio-economic progress. It examines the implications and structural challenges of the China-led BRI in Pakistan at the domestic, geopolitical, and geo-economic levels, focusing on 2013–2023 within the broader timeframe of 2000–2023. However, the sustainable success or failure of the BRI in Pakistan depends on: (a) Pakistan’s resolution of its domestic structural crises, including political, socio-economic, and ethno-religious conflicts; and (b) favorable geopolitical developments in South Asia, where the main competitive power projections are between the United States and China.

Source: Journal of Developing Societies

DOI: 10.1177/0169796x251369694

Authors: Mehdi Parvizi Amineh, Site Li

Institutions: University of Amsterdam, KU Leuven

Language: English

Topic: Belt and Road Initiative

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650