BHUM 12A18 - Revitalising the Silk Road: China, South, and Central Asia in the Modern Era

This course interrogates the revival of the Silk Road in the modern era through China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), challenging students to critically analyze the narratives of regional connectivity and cooperation. While China's BRI is often celebrated as an ambitious infrastructure and trade project linking Asia, Europe, and beyond, this course examines whether it genuinely fosters mutual development or serves as a strategic tool to consolidate China's influence in South and Central Asia. Students will explore the competing interpretations of the Silk Road's legacy—was it a symbol of harmonious cultural and economic exchange, or a contested arena of power dynamics? These questions are extended to the modern BRI, where geopolitical rivalries and local resistance raise questions about sovereignty, economic dependency, and security. Through case studies of key regions, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia, the course probes how China's policies are perceived: Are they pragmatic solutions to economic underdevelopment, or do they deepen structural inequalities? The role of counter-terrorism strategies and regional security frameworks is similarly contested—do they reflect genuine concerns for stability, or are they mechanisms for expanding China's influence in fragile states? By examining the responses of competing global stakeholders, such as Russia, the USA, and India, the course critically evaluates whether the modern Silk Road represents a revival of global interdependence or the continuation of a "Great Game" for strategic dominance. Through debates, research-driven presentations, and critical writing, students will develop nuanced arguments about the implications of China's modern Silk Road for the future of global order and regional cooperation.

Sayed Mahdi MUNADI

Séminaire

English

Spring 2024-2025

1.Session Reflections (30%) • Submit 200–300-word reflections on session topics, linking to the reading of the session(with Citation). (There are 10 submissions for whole semester-first and last sessions are excluded) • Each response should include: Introduction: Contextualize the session question. / Analysis: Provide 2–3 arguments supported by evidence from readings or research / Conclusion: Summarize and relate the reading. / Oral Reflections: Two students will present their reflections during each session. 2• Oral Presentation on the Session Themes (15%) • Work in pairs to deliver a 10-minute analysis of the session -related topic • Evaluation Criteria: Content depth, creativity, delivery, and use of visuals (e.g., slides). 3. In-Class Active Participation (5%) Active participation is key—contribute to discussions, ask questions, and engage with the material. 4• Course-Related Article (50%) • Write a 2,000–3,500-word article related to a topic covered in the course. • Evaluation Criteria: Analytical rigor, quality of research, originality, and adherence to academic standards.

1. Explore the historical and geopolitical significance of the Silk Road. 2. Analyze China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a modern iteration of the Silk Road. 3. Understand the regional perspectives of South and Central Asia in relation to China's vision. 4. Assess counter-terrorism and security concerns in shaping regional cooperation. Pedagogical Objectives: 1. Legacy of the Silk Road • Examine the Silk Road's historical impact and its revival through the BRI, focusing on regional connectivity. 2. Critical Analysis of the BRI • Analyze the geopolitical, economic, and cultural aspects of the BRI in relation to the historical Silk Road. 3. Interactive Learning • Promote student engagement through debates, projects, and independent research to enhance analytical and presentation skills.