A Win-Win Initiative or A Challenge to Regional & Global Balance: Comparison of Competing Narratives on BRI in China, Pakistan, India & USA

Abstract

It has been observed that all the states have visualized Belt and Road Initiative through the lens of national interest across the world. As the national interest plays significant role in framing of any national narrative, therefore it is only logical to contend that it has profound impact on framing of any state response towards BRI. China and Pakistan being the top beneficiaries of the project have expressed their optimism about BRI or its flagship project CPEC in Pakistan. For China the major narrative is that BRI is a ‘win-win initiative’ as their conviction is that it will bring benefits not only to China but to all the state whether in the region or located far away. Pakistan also professes similar narrative echoing in the words ‘game changer’, where ruling elites, intelligentsia and opinion makers believe that BRI/CPEC will prove miraculous for Pakistan internal economy and consequently regional position vis-a-vi India.

However, this is one side of the coin. On the obverse, regional and global powers like India and USA look at this project antagonistically. There is a convergence in their views and policies in perspective of BRI. For India, the project will disturb regional balance of power. U.S. ruling junta, media and intelligentsia go a step ahead and believe that BRI is not only a challenge to regional stability rather it is a threat to US global hegemony as well. They believe it to be part of China’s struggle to establish itself as a new global hegemon and change global order. National narratives are expressed through state officials’ statements, intelligentsia reports, media coverage and opinion leaders’ views, therefore the researcher relies on these sources to build argument by using post-positivist approach.