China-Georgia Relations: Prospects and Challenges for the Establishment of New Sphere of Influence in the South Caucasus in the Post Covid-19 Era
Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: China’s growing economic clout in Georgia through the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) is significantlycreating a web of connectivity between Asia and Europe through the land and maritime routes ofGeorgia. It is significant as it creates a new “Sphere of Influence” for China beyond its immediateneighbourhood. However, maintaining such a sphere of influence for a long term strategicadvantage appears to be very challenging in recent times. Primarily because its emergence as apowerful force has disturbed the strategic balance in the South Caucasus and foster severecompetition in the region in recent years. Georgia has become a battleground due to its strategiclocation in the South Caucasus. The challenges have abruptly gone worse in recent months asCOVID-19 has severely impacted the state’s capacity to maintain its strategic influence outside itsborders. This paper examines how China’s growing role in the region has elevated its stature andanalyzes the challenges of maintaining its strategic position in the region.
Author: Uzma Siraj
Language: English
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7215282947