THE ONE BELT, ONE ROAD STRATEGY IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND RESULTS

Abstract

The One Belt, One Road strategy has deep historical roots dating back to the ancient Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting East and West. A comprehensive analysis of the connection between the Belt and Road Initiative and the ancient Silk Road can shed light on the strategic motivations and goals that drive this ambitious infrastructure and economic development project, and is the purpose of this article. The methodological basis of the article is a set of classical methods and principles of scientific research. In particular, using the principles of analogy and comparison, the author outlines the connotations of the Silk Road, which in ancient China served as an interaction with the West, and highlights the similarities and differences between the ancient Silk Road and today’s “One Belt, One Road”. The article also uses theoretical methods such as induction, analysis, synthesis, and generalization, which made it possible to comprehend the results of the implementation of the One Belt, One Road project and assess the impact of the One Belt, One Road strategy on the participating countries and regions. A comprehensive study of the historical roots and outcomes of the Belt and Road Initiative will contribute to a deeper understanding of the importance of the multifaceted aspects of the Belt and Road Initiative in the Ukrainian expert community. The scientific novelty of the paper lies in the comprehensive analysis of the One Belt, One Road initiative as a global strategy that combines the historical experience of the Silk Road with modern geopolitical and economic realities. The article is the first to systematize the historical background of the initiative, revealing its multidirectional impact on the international system through infrastructure, economic, and cultural projects. Conclusions. The proposed new economic model of “One Belt, One Road” is a combination of history and reality, which are closely linked, as both the Maritime Silk Road and the Land Silk Road are characterized by the breadth of their geographical coverage. The Belt and Road Initiative is a concept built on the historical traditions of the ancient Silk Road and is aimed at actively developing economic partnerships with countries along the route, as well as building a community of interests based on mutual political trust, economic and cultural integration.