Policy Briefs

China in Kenya: Learning Lessons from the Standard Gauge Railway

China’s Belt and Road Initiative’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project in Kenya is an intriguing example of the influence China’s infrastructure aid can have on a country’s democracy and economy. The documented ramifications remain significant reminders of vital lessons learned. This BRI Monitor Brief focuses on the undemocratic processes used to borrow money and select contractors, the consequences for Kenya’s…

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China’s Digital Silk Road: Heightened Risks and Mitigation Tools

The Digital Silk Road—the technology-driven component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—takes on new significance as Beijing turns its attention toward investing in the world’s digital infrastructure. In the Philippines, CIPE’s partner Stratbase ADR Institute has found that Chinese telecommunications investments created local cybersecurity vulnerabilities and threats to personal data privacy as well as national security. This month’s edition…

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BRI Projects Deliver Low ROI

As more than 90 countries prepare to attend China’s third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in October 2023, the September 2023 edition of BRI Monitor focuses on the return on investment (ROI) of BRI projects in Malaysia, which are often too low because of China’s processes. BRI funding offers countries infrastructure without the screening and compliance requirements developed…

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Trickle-Down Effects of BRI?

There is much speculation about the future of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and how the country will approach foreign investment in coming years, as more loan recipients face default and other problems. Details around the deals are scarce, and as potential partners and policymakers seek approaches to mitigate risk, experts across Asia and the Pacific are attempting to address the information void.   A newly released BRI…

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Announcing New Policy Brief Series

There is much speculation about the future of China’s Belt and Road initiative and how the country will approach foreign investment in coming years, as more loan recipients face default and other problems. Details around the deals are scarce, and as potential partners and policymakers seek approaches to mitigate risk, experts across Asia and the Pacific are attempting to address the information void.  Their BRI Monitor initiative analyzes publicly…

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