Post by Third World Quarterly

A new article, "Connecting Ambitions: How Riyadh and Ankara Navigate China's Belt and Road Initiative for Economic and Geopolitical Gains," examines how Saudi Arabia and Türkiye are leveraging China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to pursue economic transformation, strategic autonomy, and regional influence in an era of intensifying geopolitical competition. Saranjam Baig, Muneera Al Balushi and Roa Alshidhani(Sultan Qaboos University) argue that engagement with the BRI is not just about investments, but also reflects a strategy of strategic hedging. This is where regional powers seek to maximise economic and geopolitical opportunities while preserving their sovereignty and strategic autonomy. Through a comparative analysis, the study highlights how domestic political structures, financial capacity, and geopolitical positioning shape each country's approach to bargaining with China. A timely read for anyone interested in Gulf-Turkish foreign policy, the BRI, or the wider contest between Chinese and American influence in the Middle East Through a comparative analysis of Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, the study highlights how domestic political structures, financial capacity, and geopolitical positioning shape each country's approach to bargaining with China. Ultimately, the research shows that success lies not in attracting Chinese capital, but in transforming external investment into long-term sovereign capacity and sustainable national development. Read the full article to explore the findings. Read here: https://lnkd.in/eDZCTQNj #BeltAndRoad #SaudiArabia #Turkiye #Geoeconomics #MiddleEast