IFC Asia: China's Belt & Road Initiative

The course objective is to provide students perspectives and insight into one of the major political and economic development programs of China – its Belt and Road Initiative, a strategy that involves infrastructure development and investments in countries spanning Central and South Asia, Africa, and Europe.  This signature foreign policy initiative is described by the Chinese government as "a bid to enhance regional connectivity and embrace a brighter future," while some observers see it as a push to enhance China’s role in global affairs with a China-centered trading network. The course exposes students to the diversity of views across the region and beyond, combining advance study and preparation with the unique perspective that will come form on the ground observations and interactions.