The New Silk Road. Challenge and Response

Also available as e-book and paperback.

In 2013 China’s Belt and Road Initiative reawakened public attention to the issues of trade and transport. At the same time it stoked fears about China’s true intentions. This book examines developments in the lands lying between China and Europe. Richard Griffiths asks the question: what if China was not alone in funding new infrastructure or in facilitating trade, nor even the first? It answers the question: who has been building the ‘New Silk Road’?

‘This important book contributes to a more informed and better grounded distinction between what is “real” and what is “dream” in the Chinese BRI rhetoric, and provides us with an excellent platform to a deeper understanding of current and future Silk Road narratives.’ Prof. Claes G. Alvstam, Professor Emeritus Economic Geography, University of Gothenburg.

‘A valuable and distinctive contribution to the burgeoning 'Belt and Road' literature, this book shifts our perspective on the forces currently integrating the spaces of Eurasia. Offering fresh insights into the history and geography of these new interconnections, Griffiths persuasively argues that the new Silk Roads are not merely a Chinese initiative but the product of many actors collectively transforming Eurasia and the world.’ Prof. Charles Armstrong, Professor of History, Columbia University.

‘This really deep, engaging, critical and challenging book offers diverse examples of the flexibility of China's initiative of "Belt and Road"… and demonstrates the interconnectedness. Richard Griffiths, a brilliant and wide-ranging scholar, marches briskly through China, Central Asia to Europe and back. A glorious read.’ Prof. Alexey Maslov, Professor, Head of the School of Asian Studies, Russian National Research University ‘Higher School of Economics’.

Richard Griffiths is an economic historian with a BSc (Econ) from Swansea and PhD from Cambridge. Currently he directs the 'New Silk Road' research project at the International Institute for Asian Studies in Leiden. Previously he has been a full professor in Leiden University, the European University Institute in Florence and the Free University, Amsterdam. He has also taught for 20 years in the MA European Studies progamme in Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. He has published widely on 19th and 20th century topics including European integration, economic development and international trade arrangements.