From geoeconomics to geopolitics: the BRI and the fragile boundaries of global cooperation

Abstract

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has emerged as an economic and geopolitical strategy with global influence. Economically, BRI aids developing countries in improving infrastructure, trade, and regional connectivity, yet it also raises concerns over debt traps and the loss of economic sovereignty (Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Kenya). Geopolitically, BRI serves not only as a tool for trade expansion but also as a means for China to enhance its strategic influence, creating tensions with the United States, India, and the European Union. Projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Hambantota Port, and the China-Laos Railway have shifted the balance of power, intensifying regional conflicts of interest. Moreover, the initiative promotes a China-led economic governance model, extending its control over finance, technology, and data management. Against this backdrop, this article analyzes the opportunities and challenges posed by the BRI, seeking to answer the question of whether it truly serves as a platform for cooperation or a tool that exacerbates inequality within the global economic system.