The Centre for Regional and Global Connectivity (CRGC) seeks to explore the convergence between economics, security, finance, politics, energy, and demography, as nations and regions work to improve the lives of their citizens, enhance economic productivity, increase trade, and secure their territorial and ideological frontiers.
The CRGC seeks to support a clearer and more cogent understanding of the complex regional and global dynamics that shape alliances, partnerships and cooperation between nations and groups of nations. Chief among these is China’s Belt and Road Initiative – a grand strategic and shape shifting effort that is too frequently seen purely from a partisan lens.
CRGC’a latest product is the Dragon Road podcast – on China’s rise in the world.
Dragon Road
Episode 09 - B3W Vs BRI
The conversation for this week’s edition is centered around a comparison between the US backed B3W and China’s BRI.
Episode 08 - China in Afghanistan
This episode of Dragon Road discusses Chinese outreach towards the Taliban and more about the future of China in Afghanistan.
Episode 07 - China's Wolf Warriors
In this episode of Dragon Road, host Arif Rafiq discusses “wolf warrior” diplomacy with journalist and author of China's Civilian Army: The Making of Wolf Warrior Diplomacy, Peter Martin.
Episode 05 - String Of Pearls: Djibouti & Gwadar Part II
Tabadlab's Dragon Road · S01 E05 – String Of Pearls: Djibouti &...
Episode 04 - China's Strategic Strongpoints Part I
In the first of a two-part series, Arif Rafiq separates the various strands of the “String of Pearls” theory with Isaac B. Kardon.
Episode 03 - China's Digital Silk Road & the Tech Battle
In this episode of Dragon Road, Arif Rafiq speaks to Elina Noor about the emerging China-US rivalry in the digital space.
Episode 02 - The China-Iran Deal: Separating Myth From Reality
In the second episode of Dragon Road, host Arif Rafiq speaks to Dr. Bill Figueroa to help unpack the recently inked China-Iran deal.
Episode 01 - A new paradigm for global development? How China does aid
In this episode of Dragon Road, we are joined by Stella Hong Zhang to understand China’s recent white paper on aid called China's International Development Cooperation in the New Era.
Previous Work
TTP Redux: A Costly Ceasefire
You can download the PDF version here. Context On November 28, 2022,...
Tabadlab Policy Roundtable 45: China in East Africa: Lessons for The Developing World
https://youtu.be/kAypJsFB4GY?list=PLF2GZsvP64VKsLMlP4EhchJQA_nyflFMw Background The East Africa region has emerged as an increasingly important...
China in East Africa: Great Power Ambitions Meet Regional Realities
Read and download the complete Working Paper here. East Africa, particularly the...
Tabadlab Policy Roundtable 44 - Over the Horizon: Implications of the Strike in Kabul
The Killing of Ayman al-Zawahiri The US conducted its known drone strike...
Pakistan, the TTP, and the Impetus for Internal and External Peace
Download a pdf version here. Background and Context The Government of...
Navigating the Stormy Indo-Pacific: How Quad, AUKUS, & US-China Competition Shape Pakistan's Choices
Read and download the complete Working Paper. As China accelerates its status...
Tabadlab Policy Roundtable 03: Covid-19, Peace and Afghanistan
You can download the e-reader friendly version here. How will COVID-19 impact...
How far is Afghanistan from peace with itself?
The sense of optimism has been replaced with dread
Pakistan’s Import Bill: What Pakistan Buys From Abroad And Why
Oil, cars, rubber, and toilet paper. Why Pakistan’s import bill keeps increasing.
Return to the Lender of Last Resort
Yes. It is possible to sustain higher GDP growth. Here’s how.
Belted on a Road to Debt?
An analysis of China’s debt management outcomes with over-extended countries.
What does the future look like for China and its friends?
Ivan Rasmussen, Assistant Professor at NYU-Shanghai