China’s prestige: a case study of BRI in Myanmar and Vietnam

This thesis examines the role of prestige in international relations, focusing on China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a tool for enhancing China’s influence. Prestige, defined as a state’s influence to shape the actions and perceptions of others, is analyzed through the political and economic impacts of the BRI on Vietnam and Myanmar. The findings reveal distinct dynamics: while the BRI fosters economic growth and regional connectivity, concerns over dependency and sovereignty persist, prompting cautious skepticism in both Myanmar and Vietnam. Myanmar demonstrates economic pragmatism and binding engagement behaviors (political alignment), relying heavily on Chinese investments despite local dissatisfaction. In contrast, Vietnam employs a hedging strategy through economic diversification and dominance denial behaviors, balancing BRI engagement with diversified partnerships to mitigate dependency risks. This comparative analysis highlights how weaker states perceive and navigate China’s influence, offering insights into the complex interplay between economic incentives and political autonomy through China’s BRI.