Unveiling the Ecological and Geopolitical Contradictions of Large-Scale Development Initiatives: A Critical Analysis of the Belt and Road Initiative
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.
Critical Approach to Sustainability Discourse and Action in International Relations;pp.121-150
Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-1707-6.ch004 https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105022767143?origin=resultslist
Rathore S., Christ University, India; Lal J.A., Christ University, India