| ID | 170649 |
| Title Proper | Unexpected consequences of China’s cooperation with Central and Eastern Europe |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Kavalski, Emilian |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | The Central and East European (CEE) region is often overlooked in the conversations on contemporary geopolitics. Yet, owing to China’s growing relations in
the CEE countries, the region has been subject to increasing international attention. By process tracing the development of the ‘17 + 1’ mechanism, this article
offers a brief overview of Sino-CEE relations. Situated within the broader Belt
and Road Initiative (BRI), the ‘17 + 1’ has provided a unique regional arrangement for extending Chinese influence in the CEE countries. This article explores
whether there is something else than the instrumental economic reasoning for
the willingness of CEE countries to partner with China. The analysis detects
three distinct (and not always complementary) strategic narratives, motivating
the participation of CEE states in the ‘17 + 1’ mechanism. The study concludes
with an enquiry on China’s preparedness to respond to such identity geopolitics
not only in the CEE region but also throughout the vast expanse covered by the
BRI initiative. |
| `In' analytical Note | International Studies Vol. 57, No.1, Jan 2020; p1–19 |
| Journal Source | International Studies Vol: 57 No 1 |
| Key Words | Belt and Road Initiative ; China-CEE Cooperation ; China-EU Relations |