The OBOR idea, since its conception, has prompted intense discussions amid diverging views amongst scholars, practitioners, and policy makers. Various sets of arguments, revolving around OBOR’s sociopolitical, economic, geostrategic, legal, and institutional aspects, have questioned whether the initiative’s implementation can really cater to the common needs of the world community, or whether it is rather aimed at essentially benefiting one country’s interests and fulfilling its hidden agenda. Arguments from all sides have their own merit, but also their own level of inherent bias, influenced by ideological, political, and economic schooling which blurs the debate and complicates the understanding of the idea. This article, with a primary focus on legal and institutional aspects, will navigate a maze of discussions of the multivariate and multifaceted challenges OBOR faces and attempt to ratiocinate the following: that as a concept, OBOR cannot be ignored, undermined or sidelined anymore; that as a development tool, it is here to stay; and that as an approach, it will make its mark in the world arena.
Global Trade and Customs Journal