‘Geo-developmentalism’: Theorising China’s 'One Belt, One Road' Initiative
Date: Thursday 17 August, 2017, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Location: AM 103, Alan MacDiarmid Building, Kelburn Campus, Victoria University – access from Kelburn Parade
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) represents the first time China has presented a grand vision of regional development for Eurasia and the Pacific. However, many remain confused as to what is being proposed and why. This seminar provides a way of conceptualising and understanding BRI activities and assessing its role in regional development.
The Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) represents the first time China has presented a grand vision of regionaldevelopment for Eurasia and the Pacific. However, many remain confused asto what is being proposed and why. This seminar provides a way of conceptualisingand understanding BRI activities and assessing its role in regionaldevelopment. You are invited to join Professor Gerald Chan,Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University ofAuckland, as he explores this theory.
When: Thursday 17 August, 4.00 – 5.00pm
Where: AM 103, Alan MacDiarmid Building, Kelburn Campus, VictoriaUniversity – access from Kelburn Parade (Google map | Campus map [PDF])
Professor Gerald Chan suggests that a new theory has begun to emerge as a result of the implementation of the initiative since 2013. He calls this new theory ‘geo-developmentalism’ or ‘neo-functionalism with Chinese characteristics’. This theory complements yet challenges the existing model of development championed by the West under the Bretton Woods system. In this seminar, he will identify the essential features of this theory, based on evidence drawn from the launching of various mega infrastructure projects under the initiative around the world.
View this event on the NZCCRC website | Download the event flyer [PDF]
About the speaker
Gerald Chan is Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Auckland. He is a Life Member of Clare Hall, Cambridge. He is Senior Research Fellow-elect at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany. His latest publication is From laggard to superpower: Explaining China’s high-speed rail ‘miracle’, International Affairs, Tokyo, May 2017.
To register to attend this seminar: Please email Lai Ching at laiching.tan@vuw.ac.nz or call 04 463 9549 to register.