China's Belt and Road Initiative: Strategic Dynamics in the Global South

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched by China in 2013, stands as a monumental global infrastructure and investment endeavor aimed at revitalizing ancient trade routes and enhancing economic collaboration across Asia, Europe, and Africa. This Research Topic delves into the broad and varied impact of the BRI, particularly focusing on South-South cooperation. It examines how this extensive network has spurred economic opportunities while also ushering new geopolitical dynamics and challenges into the regions it touches. Key concerns include understanding the initiative’s alignment with China's international ambitions, its effects on global economic patterns, and the strategic implications it holds for participating countries.

This Research Topic aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the BRI's influence and the strategic maneuvers associated with its execution. It seeks to answer critical questions about the economic benefits versus the geopolitical risks, and how these factors are reshaping international relations. The goal is also to assess the sustainability of investments and the infrastructural developments under the BRI umbrella, and how these might affect long-term cooperation and development in the Global South.

To gather further insights into these complex dynamics, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• China’s evolving strategy towards the Global South and its implications for global economic dynamics
• Geopolitical ramifications of the BRI, including shifts in power and regional security concerns
• Economic opportunities and challenges of the BRI, including issues of debt sustainability and technological transfer
• The impact of corridor diplomacy on regional integration and fostering industrial partnerships
• Capacity building within BRI-participant countries and its role in sustaining long-term economic and infrastructural development

Keywords: Belt and Road Initiative, regional integration, geopolitical strategy, economic cooperation, corridor diplomacy, Global South

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.