The BRI-Led Globalization and Its Implications for East Asian Regionalization

In this paper, we analyze the dynamic interaction between the processes of globalization and regionalization within the context of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Our aim is two-pronged: first, we examine the BRI as a comprehensive blueprint for an alternative type of globalization based on a new set of economic, cultural and political ideas that are qualitatively and quantitatively different from what has been promoted under the existing US-led global system. Second, we explore the potential impact of new globalization on the prospects of region building in East Asia in terms of China’s role in it. We argue that the BRI-driven globalization may have certain dampening and diluting effects on China’s participation in and contribution to the East Asian regionalization. Thus, through this study, we hope to both shed further light on the nature of relationship between globalization and regionalization and extrapolate on the future course of regionalism in East Asia.