"Connectivity and International Production Networks in the Western Balkans: to what extent can China erode the economic dominant position of the EU?",

Defraigne, Jean-Christophe
(2021) The Journal of Cross-Regional Dialogues/La Revue de dialogues inter-régionaux — Vol. 21-02, n° 2, p. 1-34 (2021)

Files

2021-connectivityBalkans.docx
  • Open Access
  • Microsoft Word XML
  • 354.9 KB
Download

Details

Authors
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to assess the impact of the Chinese economic penetration in the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia) on the relation of this region with the European Union (EU) and on the role of this region in the international division of labour. Using international economics and international political economy theoretical concepts, this article outlines an interpretation of relevant quantitative data and a qualitative analysis of the Chinese economic flows in the Western Balkans. The results highlight that China is unlikely to challenge the economic hegemonic position of the EU in the region. The article also shows that the Chinese economic flows and development projects, notably the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), are not significantly transforming the peripherical role of the Western Balkans in the international division of labour. It explains why Chinese economic flows do not contribute substantially to the insertion of these economies in the international production networks set up by Chinese firms.
Affiliations

Citations

  • APA
  • Chicago
  • FWB

Defraigne, J.-C. (2021). “Connectivity and International Production Networks in the Western Balkans: to what extent can China erode the economic dominant position of the EU?”,. The Journal of Cross-Regional Dialogues/La Revue de dialogues inter-régionaux, 21-02(2), 1-34. (Original work published 2021)