Abstract
In September-October 2013 Xi Jinping announced two new initiatives that have not only captivated public opinion but have generated a wave of excitement, if not hysteria, both in China and abroad. Within two years, scores of media reports, articles, commentaries and analyses have been published, leading to debates and interpretations. Also, scores of academic conferences concentrating on China’s Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and One Belt, One Road (OBOR) vision, also called “the New Silk Road”, have been held all over the world, including this one. 1 Moreover, new research institutes specifically dedicated to these two initiatives have been established in Chinese universities, an unprecedented phenomenon in China’s - not to mention in Western - academic history. 2 To me, the most significant aspect of Xi’s AIIB and OBOR policies is how quickly they have reached the academic “hit parade”. While the AIIB is much more structured and organized, very little is known about the OBOR initiative, not only outside China but also inside China, and it is amazing how much academic attention they have drawn. Although undoubtedly aware of the OBOR initiative deficiencies, many Chinese intellectuals whom I met eagerly and enthusiastically defend and support it and, looking offended, reject any criticism about it, especially by outsiders.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Title of host publication | China's Presence in the Middle East |
Subtitle of host publication | The Implications of the One Belt, One Road Initiative |
Publisher | Taylor and Francis |
Pages | 38-53 |
Number of pages | 16 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781351734998 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781138736672 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Jan 2017 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2018 selection and editorial matter, Anoushiravan Ehteshami and Niv Horesh; individual chapters, the contributors.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Social Sciences