In this episode, titled "10 Years On: China's Belt & Road Initiative and its Future in the Middle East," our host Jonathan Fulton delves into the current state of China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its implications for the Middle East. Jonathan will analyze the recently held Belt and Road Forum, the involvement of various countries in the initiative, and the challenges and opportunities it presents. Get ready to explore the complexities of China's global infrastructure plan and its impact on the Middle East, as we discuss the geopolitical dynamics, competing interests, and potential alternatives to the BRI. TakeawaysImpact of the Belt & Road InitiativeChina's Strategic Goals and Future PlansCompetition for Leadership in the Global SouthAlternatives and Response to the BRIThe EU's Global Gateway InitiativeChina's Renewed Commitment to the BRIBroader Foreign Policy Strategy of ChinaChina's Economic Relationship with the Middle EastQuotes "The Belt and Road Initiative exemplifies China's ambition to reshape global dynamics, providing growth alternatives to emerging nations against the prevailing US-led order." - Yun Sun "Developing countries will continue to engage with China, but they need to negotiate for better terms and develop resilience against negative effects." - David O. Shullman Featured in the Episode Jonathan Fulton Nonresident Senior Fellow for Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council. Assistant Professor of Political Science at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi https://ae.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-fulton-2627414b https://twitter.com/jonathandfulton David O. Shullman Senior Director of the Global China Hub at the Atlantic Council https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-0-shullman-56a85a24/ Yun Sun Senior Fellow and Co-Director, East Asia Program, Director of the China Program, Stimson Cente rhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/yun-sun-62871729/ Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 02:29 Shaping Foreign Policy: China's BRI and the Global Order 07:04 Reviving Commitments: China's Renewed Focus on the BRI 11:07 Summit Dynamics: Sparse Western Presence at the Belton Road Summit 12:37 Emerging Axis: China's Intensified Focus on the Developing World 15:48 Geopolitical Chess: China's Quest for Influence in the Global South 19:06 Global Rivalry: China's Strategy for Garnering Developing World Support 24:40 Power Balance: India's Role in the Global Competition 26:08 Mission Engagement: Challenging China's Diplomacy in Africa, Latin America, and Asia 29:56 Resilience and Revolution: Offering Digital Alternatives to the BRI 34:19 Economic Endurance: BRI's Stability Amid China's Economic Slowdown 36:57 Strategic Partnerships: Gulf Countries' Economic Diversification with China 39:56 Outro