China, Geopolitics and Geoeconomics. How Not to Fall into the Trap of Narration?

Malinowski, Grzegorz (2019) China, Geopolitics and Geoeconomics. How Not to Fall into the Trap of Narration? Acta Oeconomica, 69 (4). pp. 495-522. ISSN 0001-6373

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Abstract

Chinese infrastructural projects like the “Belt & Road Initiative” or the “Chinese 16 + 1 Initiative” are trapped in geopolitical narratives. Geopolitical concepts dressed in scientific robes make the logic of warfare begin to prevail over the logic of cooperation. As a consequence, something that was to be an opportunity for less developed countries, becomes the axis of conflict between the great powers. In this paper, I identify the logic of warfare as an underlining characteristic of geopolitical reasoning and show why it is incompatible with economic approach. I also argue that geopolitical concepts are not scientific theories, but rather self-fulfilling prophecies. This theoretical background allows to detect the biggest obstacles related to many Chinese initiatives, and also indicates some necessary means to neutralize geopolitical narratives.

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