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.
51:43
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Quick takeaways
- The Belt and Road Initiative serves as a crucial alternative for developing countries like Sri Lanka to secure funding and infrastructure improvements.
- Ranaraja argues that despite discussions on the decline of Pax Americana, the U.S. continues to wield significant economic and military power globally.
Deep dives
Understanding the Belt and Road Initiative in Sri Lanka
Yasiru Ranaraja emphasizes the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a pivotal mechanism for developing countries, particularly Sri Lanka, to obtain necessary financial resources and infrastructure development. He highlights how Sri Lanka's strategic location near India enhances its importance within the context of the BRI, which has garnered significant attention for its role in improving connectivity and logistics in the region. Ranaraja acknowledges the lack of traditional development financing for developing economies, positioning the BRI as an alternative avenue for growth. His research through the Belt and Road Initiative Sri Lanka underscores the initiative's potential impact on regional geopolitics and economic collaborations.
