Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts
Year: 2023
DOI:
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Armenia; Belt and Road Initiative; China; Foreign policy; Small State
Mane Tsaturyan, Paulo Afonso B. Duarte
ABSTRACT:
Nestled within the geopolitically intricate South Caucasus, Armenia has assumed growing significance as a key player in an evolving global landscape. This has been particularly underscored by its emergence as an alternative trade conduit, amplified by the shifting dynamics of global geopolitics. Concurrently, China’s far-reaching Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has reinforced the strategic relevance of the region, making it all the more compelling for international scrutiny. Yet, the academic exploration of Armenia’s specific role within the expansive BRI, when compared to more prominent participants, remains notably underrepresented. Consequently, this article embarks on a rigorous inquiry into Armenian foreign policy, seeking to elucidate how it navigates the complex terrain of China’s BRI. Employing the prism of small state’s theory, this analysis sheds light on Armenia’s diplomatic manoeuvring amid the contest for influence by major global powers, aiming to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of Armenia’s positioning vis-à-vis the BRI.
keywords: Armenia, Belt and Road Initiative, China, Foreign policy, small state