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Central Asian ‘Characteristics’ on China’s New Silk Road: The Role of Landscape and the Politics of Infrastructure

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  • Troy Sternberg

    (School of Geography, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK)

  • Ariell Ahearn

    (School of Geography, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK)

  • Fiona McConnell

    (School of Geography, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK)

Abstract

China’s $1 trillion One Belt, One Road (OBOR) infrastructure project has significant landscape, socio-economic, and political implications in recipient countries. To date, investigation has focused on Chinese motivation and plans rather than OBOR impact in host nations. This paper examines the programme from the perspective of two Central Asian states—Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan—that are at the heart of OBOR. We identify geographical factors that constrain infrastructure, recognise geopolitical contestation between Russia and China, address historical and cultural factors, and consider issues of institutional capacity and marginality that may be impediments to China’s initiative. The discussion then focuses on how OBOR may play out in Central Asian landscapes and suggests how to conceive and address the unprecedented transformation in the region’s built environment. Critical issues are that OBOR has not been grounded in the physical geography, practical understanding of OBOR’s impacts is missing, and the state-citizen-China nexus remains unexplored. As pivot nations, OBOR implementation in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan will showcase the Chinese programme’s strengths and highlight its weaknesses.

Suggested Citation

  • Troy Sternberg & Ariell Ahearn & Fiona McConnell, 2017. "Central Asian ‘Characteristics’ on China’s New Silk Road: The Role of Landscape and the Politics of Infrastructure," Land, MDPI, vol. 6(3), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:6:y:2017:i:3:p:55-:d:109419
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jenn-Jaw Soong, 2016. "The Political Economy of Development Between China and the ASEAN States: Opportunity and Challenge," Chinese Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 49(6), pages 395-399, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Joseph Horrocks-Taylor, 2018. "Dirty Water, Muddied Politics: Hybridisation of Local and National Opposition to Kumtor Mine, Kyrgyzstan," Land, MDPI, vol. 7(2), pages 1-18, April.
    2. Troy Sternberg, 2018. "Moderating Climate Hazard Risk through Cooperation in Asian Drylands," Land, MDPI, vol. 7(1), pages 1-13, February.
    3. Soraya Caro Vargas, editor, 2020. "Economic Corridors in Asia: Paradigm of Integration? A Reflection for Latin America," Books, Universidad Externado de Colombia, Facultad de Finanzas, Gobierno y Relaciones Internacionales, number 139, June.
    4. Yuanbo Li & Xufeng Zhu, 2019. "The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Latin America and the Caribbean," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-22, April.
    5. Marcin Groszewski & Giuseppe T. Cirella, 2020. "Belt and Road Initiative: Comment," Journal of Applied Management and Investments, Department of Business Administration and Corporate Security, International Humanitarian University, vol. 9(2), pages 63-70, June.

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