HARMONIZING EURASIAN DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION AND MODERNIZATION OF THE BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE
Sun Zhuangzhi
Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing, China
Keywords: Eurasia, Eurasian macroregion, post-Soviet countries, modernization, reforms, Belt and Road Initiative, Silk Road, macroregional governance, cross-border cooperation, models of endogenous and exogenous modernization
Abstract
The article examines the development models chosen by post-Soviet Eurasian countries as they pursue modernization reforms. It highlights how they blend formal “westernization" in the political sphere with “substantive nationalization." Here we analyze the challenges of modernization in nation-building (including the incompatibility of religious and cultural traditions with secular political systems, risks from the introduction of super-powerful presidential authority, risks of political pluralism, issues in restructuring social governance systems, etc.). It is shown that modernization should not be seen merely as adopting a Western model focused on economic growth but should also aim for social development and social justice. The article also examines the construction of the strategic Belt and Road Initiative and its impact on the development of post-Soviet countries in the Eurasian macro-region, particularly through improving governance systems and jointly seeking new opportunities for development.
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