Mapping continental ambitions

It is estimated that trillions of dollars will be needed for transportation, energy, water, information and communications technology and other kinds of infrastructure to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. However, infrastructure development at this scale also carries significant risks for sustainable development. Drawing from academic literature, evaluations, and technical consultations, this report analyzes human rights and environmental impacts at the project and macroeconomic level and gives recommendations for mitigating risks to achieve infrastructure development that promotes equality, human rights, and environmental sustainability.

Read the full report here.

On August 3, in his first visit to the Asia-Pacific region, new U.S. secretary of defense Mark Esper called out several examples of aggressive conduct by China, including “using predatory economics and debt-for-sovereignty deals.” The Belt and Road Initiative ...