Unveiling the Ecological and Geopolitical Contradictions of Large-Scale Development Initiatives: A Critical Analysis of the Belt and Road Initiative
description: This chapter critically examines the ecological and geopolitical contradictions within large-scale development initiatives, focusing on China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a paradigmatic case. While framed as a vehicle for sustainable growth, the BRI often instrumentalizes sustainability discourse to legitimize extractive development, suppress dissent, and extend geopolitical influence. Using interdisciplinary approaches from political economy, post-development theory, and critical discourse analysis, the chapter deconstructs narratives such as 'Green BRI,' ecological civilization, and win-win cooperation. Case studies from Southeast Asia and Africa expose a stark contrast between rhetorical commitments and realities of environmental degradation, displacement, and debt dependency. The chapter advocates for an eco-centric, justice-oriented development paradigm and offers policy recommendations that emphasize accountability, participation, and ecological integrity in future infrastructure planning. 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved.
creator: Rathore, Shruti; Lal, Judith Anne
source: Critical Approach to Sustainability Discourse and Action in International Relations;pp.121-150
publisher: IGI Global
date: 01-01-2025
rights: Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
relation: ISBN: 979-833731709-0; 979-833731707-6;
language: English
type: Book chapter
coverage: Rathore S., Christ University, India; Lal J.A., Christ University, India