Abstract

Since its launch in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been perceived as both an opportunity and a threat by different countries and stakeholders. Consequently, its dynamics are the source of disparate geopolitical appraisal. Associated discourse contends the BRI’s capability to promote sustainable avenues for international cooperation. This is with the Indo-Pacific and external powers. The paper engages with such discourse by adopting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) as a framework. Specifically, it observes the degree to which Indo-Pacific and external powers can cooperate with the BRI to create positive outcomes across the 5Ps of Sustainable Development - people, prosperity, planet, partnership and peace. The research draws mixed conclusions regarding the extent to which this has occurred and continues to occur. Accordingly, it provides policy recommendations to improve the BRI’s promotion of sustainable avenues for international cooperation.