Thesis (MA) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research International Relations Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 53-65)

ABSTRACT
This study examines the impact of China’s rise on the currentworld order,its rising
prominence in global governance through the lenses ofthe Belt and Road Initiative
(BRI) as well as China’s new assertive roles in the existing institutions of the global
order. This was to understand how these have empowered China to shape global
norms. Thus, the central question of the study is: Why will the riseof China lead to a
new global order? The adopted framework of analysis is Realism and Hegemonic
stability theory, and data was gathered through the documentary method of data
collection as guided by the case study research design. Data analysis was based on
qualitative descriptive analysis. It was found that through BRI, China hasbecome more
prominent in global affairs. The Initiative introduced new platforms and mechanisms
for consultation and cooperation which allowed China to engage the BRI participating
countries without the rules and limitations of the existing institutions. The election of
Donal Trump as US president and its withdrawal from some of its international
commitments left a leadership vacuum in the international system,thereby
emboldening China to become more assertive by assumingthese roles. With its
newstanding in the international system, Chinakeeps moving to reshape the
international order from an originally western one into an ever more Sino-centric
system. Concluding that both the US and China’s actions have modified and continue
to reshape the global order. The study also sought to answer the burning question of
whether or not China can rise peacefully, ending with recommendations that could
contribute to the emergence of a more inclusive global order.
Keywords: Belt and Road Initiative, Global Governance, Global Order, International
Institution