The Development Implications of China's Belt and Road Initiative for Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus
General Material Designation
[Thesis]
First Statement of Responsibility
Hutson, Nathan
Subsequent Statement of Responsibility
Giuliano, Genevieve
.PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, ETC
Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.
University of Southern California
Date of Publication, Distribution, etc.
2019
GENERAL NOTES
Text of Note
193 p.
DISSERTATION (THESIS) NOTE
Dissertation or thesis details and type of degree
Ph.D.
Body granting the degree
University of Southern California
Text preceding or following the note
2019
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
This dissertation explores the long term development implications of China's Eurasian rail land bridge on the economies of countries it transits, namely Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus. The dissertation explores the historical context of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and how it emerged from China's prior efforts to develop underperforming western provinces. Particular attention is paid to the impact of the Sino-Soviet Split and its role in distorting the spatial development of Eurasia. Alternative routing options for Eurasian cargo are evaluated along with infrastructure projects affiliated with the BRI. A geospatial analysis of manufacturing firms illustrates the extent to which alternative corridor routings serve the pre-existing base of firms of different industrial classifications in order to show how these alignments dovetail with the countries' national development strategies. The final chapter explores the institutional and geopolitical dimensions of the Belt and Road Initiative in Eurasia, including an analysis of the political transition in Kazakhstan.