Geopolitics of OBOR and (re-) thinking Connectivity discourse: apropos of South Asia

Abstract

 The proposed research within its purview intends to (re)-think global connectivity matrix under the spectrum of Chinese discourse of connectivity i.e., One Belt One Road (OBOR) and analyses its extended corridors of connectivity with its southwestern peripheral region i.e. South Asia. In addition, the research also analyses the geopolitics of South Asia and its significance in OBOR strategy. OBOR initiative is a balancing-objective strategy in response to west oriented hegemonic-objective strategy to promote connectivity and cooperation in the world. The project was initiated in 2013 linking the world with network of rail, roads and ports. OBOR initiative is inclusive in a sense that it has no strict rules and regulations, every country can participate in it without any political and financial obligations. The research analyses the grand design strategy of president Xi Jinping as an alternate plan of western power discourses and discusses a shift from Columbian age (sea routes) to age of hybrid trade routes (sea+land) prompted by OBOR. The study applies the technique of discourse analysis and takes the case study of South Asia. In this broader perspective, this study highlights the geopolitical importance of South Asia in Sino-centric connectivity strategy and analyses that that how China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM-EC) endow with potential opportunities for sustainable development of the region?