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.

• Explore the historical and geopolitical significance of the Silk Road.
• Analyze China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a modern iteration of the Silk Road.
• Understand the regional perspectives of South and Central Asia in relation to China's vision.
• Assess counter-terrorism and security concerns in shaping regional cooperation.

Pedagogical Objectives:

• Legacy of the Silk Road
• Examine the Silk Road’s historical impact and its revival through the BRI, focusing on regional connectivity.
• Critical Analysis of the BRI
• Analyze the geopolitical, economic, and cultural aspects of the BRI in relation to the historical Silk Road.
• Interactive Learning
• Promote student engagement through debates, projects, and independent research to enhance analytical and presentation skills.

Reading Response 30%

• Submit approximately 150 words in responding the session question at least 2 hours before class.
• Demonstrate critical engagement with the required reading rather than summarizing.
• Include at least two in-text citations with page numbers.
• Clearly highlight (bold & colour) your main argument in the text.
• Evaluation: comprehension, argument quality, citation accuracy, clarity, timely submission.

Oral Presentation 20%

• In pairs, 10-15 minutes, maximum 10 slides.
• Assessment: accuracy, relevance to course themes, structure of argument, use of evidence, delivery, slide quality.

Final Exam or Article 30%

• Written final exam covering all course content.
• Students may submit an article in place of the exam, provided the article title and proposal receive instructor approval before mid-semester ; the completed article must be submitted by the regular exam date.
• Evaluation criteria will be provided in class.

Participation and Debate 20%

Based on contribution to discussion, quality and evidence of arguments, and engagement with readings.