Vision, revision and supervision: The politics of China’s OBOR and AIIB and their implications for the Middle East

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

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 languageEnglish
Title of host publicationChina's Presence in the Middle East
Subtitle of host publicationThe Implications of the One Belt, One Road Initiative
PublisherTaylor and Francis
Pages38-53
Number of pages16
ISBN (Electronic)9781351734998
ISBN (Print)9781138736672
DOIs
StatePublished - 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

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