Beyond Borders
Globalization in the New World Order: The Debate on Emergent Countries and the New Global Governance
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Gabriel Rached
The discussion on contemporary impacts of globalization and its consequences involves several aspects related to Global Studies and also to the International Political Economy perspective. The debate on Global South brought back to scene many reflections concerning barriers and a revising process related to the multilateral institutions in the international system. This issue addresses to the emergent countries and their movement towards reviewing their participation in the international arena. At this point, the rising of China and the willingness of these intermediate countries (such as Russia, India, Brazil, and South Africa) to revisit their insertion on global governance and international order, led to the conformation of the BRICS. Since 2009, BRICS countries have been seeking to coordinate strategies and economic cooperation, aiming to reach a higher level of development accompanied by a repositioning in the international arena. Despite all differences between these countries, the Global South aspirations to gain space bring to the discussion: in a world in constant transformation, what are the identities and common values that are being promoted to face and open new paths considering the set of international institutions in force? How do these issues interfere in terms of the Global Governance sphere? From this perspective, this paper discusses how to rethink the Global South by the International Political Economy approach – debating which kind of measures and shapes for the international organizations would be suitable and fit better these contemporary challenges.
China's Belt and Road Initiative in Southeat Asia: Push Back and Acceptance in Malaysia
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Amy Freedman
China's 'belt and road initiative' (BRI) has met with some success and some opposition in Southeast Asia. In Malaysia, China's investment was welcomed by former Prime Minister Najib Razak, but Mahathir put the breaks on several high profile projects when he came back into office in 2018. Some of those projects have now restarted. Why the change in course? And, what do these changes in policy and strategy within Malaysia tell us about larger regional relations in Asia and how we should think about BRI more generally? Why have some countries welcomed Chinese investment while others have pushed back against it? This paper looks at the role of both domestic politics within Malaysia and geostrategic dynamics to offer answers to these questions.
U.S.-China Economic Infrastructure Development Winner: How is China Using Its Economic Power Against U.S. Sphere Influence?
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Rebecca Schoffman
China is using its soft economic power to contend against the U.S. sphere of influence. I believe it is the enactment of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), land and maritime infrastructure plan, and it is continued expansion threatened U.S. hegemonic position. Using the idea of development and hegemonic stability, I seek to make the case of China's economic expansion infringing on U.S. economic hegemony. I present two similar, yet different case studies illustrating China's economic dominance. The first case surveys the U.S. New Silk Road Initiative, explaining its purpose and failure. Next, emphasizing China's Belt and Road Initiative's goal and success. The first two sections provide a literature review of hegemonic stability theory and development. The third section gives a brief overview illustrating the nature U.S.-China economic relationship. Parts four and five are case study's about the U.S. and China's economic development infrastructure initiatives.
