Geopolitics & Empire Yasiru Ranaraja: Growing Belt & Road Connectivity, Sri Lanka, & Flashpoints
May 10, 2025
Yasiru Ranaraja, a maritime affairs researcher and a founding director at BRISL, dives into the geopolitics driving the Belt and Road Initiative in Sri Lanka. He discusses the decline of U.S. global dominance and the rise of China and India, along with their implications for emerging economies. Ranaraja also explores flashpoints and regional tensions in Asia, the growing influence of BRICS, and the ongoing tech race between the U.S. and China. With insights on currency dynamics and the future of international finance, this conversation is both timely and thought-provoking.
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US Empire's Enduring Power
- The US empire remains powerful with economic, military, and intellectual influence despite challenges from China and Asia.
- China’s Belt & Road Initiative strategically decentralizes trade routes to bypass US control and sanctions, challenging US dominance.
Retain and Attract Talent
- Countries should strive to retain their talent and create programs to attract global experts to boost innovation.
- Losing brainpower to the US weakens their economic and technological advancement potential.
Challenges to De-dollarization
- De-dollarization faces hurdles because the dollar remains essential for military and economic transactions globally.
- BRICS internal mistrust and economic interdependencies slow progress toward alternative global financial systems.