Existential Threat or Means to an End? The securitization of the Belt and Road Initiative by the European Union?
Keywords
No Thumbnail Available
Authors
Issue Date
2023-07-14
Language
en
Document type
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Title
ISSN
Volume
Issue
Startpage
Endpage
DOI
Abstract
This thesis responds to the lack of existing literature on the European Union's(EU) securitization strategy toward China's Belt and Road Initiative(BRI). It contributes to this understudied field by examining how and to what extent securitization efforts take place through an analysis of EU foreign policy discourse. Simultaneously, this research analyzes the potential motivations behind these efforts. By conducting a single case study analysis, this research revealed inconsistent narratives. These include somewhat contradictory or competing narratives regarding the extent to which the BRI, and China in general, pose a security threat. They also include inconsistencies in perspectives held towards the BRI amongst EU member states, which as such questions the effectiveness of the EU's securitization strategies. This thesis, therefore, argues that the EU approach is closely intertwined with a broader securitization of China, leading to an ambiguous understanding of whether the threat lies primarily with the BRI itself or with China as a whole. The thesis raises critical concerns for the EU, as the securitization approach may inadvertently undermine unity and impede progress. It argues for a reevaluation of the EU's securitization strategy. In addition, a more nuanced understanding of China's role is warranted. By addressing these issues, the EU can better navigate its engagement with the BRI and China, ensuring a more coherent future approach.
Description
Citation
Supervisor
Faculty
Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen