Publication

This paper examines how China’s growing presence in the Middle East may provide scope for an innovative approach to diplomacy and economic cooperation within the region. The author also analyzes 1) China’s interests and economic investment in the Middle East; and 2) how the threat of terrorism has provoked China to adopt a more proactive security posture towards the region to protect its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Though the author does not think the BRI can act as a substitute for political solutions in the Middle East, she does think it could help create the conditions that would facilitate the arrival of such solutions.