From 12-14 March 2021, Research Committee 34 “Quality of Democracy” of the International Political Science Association (IPSA) held the online workshop “China’s Belt and Road Initiative: curse or blessing for democracy in Eurasia?” at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. It was organized by EDP network member (and Chair of RC 34) Brigitte Weiffen and by Anja Mihr, DAAD Associate Professor at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek. 

During the three days, more than 20 scholars presented their research on China’s Belt and Road Initiative, in particular the BRI’s impact on democratization and autocratization processes in wider Asia, Africa, and Europe. More information and the full program, including videos of selected lectures and presentations, are available online.