‘Geo-developmentalism’: Theorising China’s ‘One Belt, One Road’ Initiative

Date: Thursday, 17 August

Venue: AM 103, Alan MacDiarmid Building, Kelburn Campus, Victoria University (map)

Speaker: Professor Gerald Chan

Abstract

How to theorise China’s ‘one belt, one road’ initiative? Professor Gerald Chan suggests that a new theory has begun to emerge as a result of the implementation of the initiative since 2013. He calls this new theory ‘geo-developmentalism’ or ‘neo-functionalism with Chinese characteristics’. This theory complements yet challenges the existing model of development championed by the West under the Bretton Woods system. In this seminar, he will identify the essential features of this theory, based on evidence drawn from the launching of various mega infrastructure projects under the initiative around the world.

About the speaker

Gerald Chan is Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Auckland. He is a Life Member of Clare Hall, Cambridge. He is Senior Research Fellow-elect at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany. His latest publications include From laggard to superpower: Explaining China’s high-speed rail ‘miracle’, International Affairs, Tokyo, May 2017.

To register, please email Lai Ching or call 04 463 9549.

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Lai Ching Tan

Research Contracts Adviser · Research Office
Research Office · Contracts and System