Prof. Dr. Linda Tjia explains the costs and benefits, the links and disconnects, and the domestic and global implications of the China-Europe Freight Train Initiative which connects multiple areas of Western China through Central Asia all the way to Europe. Having worked in the railway sector before her academic career, Linda walks Erik and Juliet through Chongqing business dealings with HP, trade imbalances and "empty return trains" between China and Europe, and the logistical and political challenges of navigating new rail paths through Central Asia.
Our conversation is based on Prof. Tjia's recently published article, "The Unintended and Undesirable Consequences of the Politicization of the Belt and Road's China-Europe Freight Train Initiative"
Recommendations
Juliet
Great Games, Local Rules: The New Great Power Contest in Central Asia by Alexander Cooley
Erik
China Renews its "Belt and Road" Push for Global Sway by Keith Bradsher
and Douban.com (the Chinese social networking service website that allows registered users to record information and create content related to film, books, music, recent events, and activities in Chinese cities.) which I've been enjoying recently!
Linda
Asymmetry and International Relationships by Dr. Brently Womack