000			02077cam a2200145 4500
100	1		_aJohannes Plagemann
245			_aSmall states and competing connectivity strategies: _bwhat explains Bangladesh's success in relations with Asia's major powers?/ _cJohannes Plagemann
260			_c2022
520			_aThis article explores the consequences major power rivalries over connectivity investments have for small states in Asia and thereby contributes to a better understanding of small states' strength and capabilities in an increasingly multipolar world. With reference to the literature on small states, field work, and interviews, the article explores Bangladesh's remarkable success in reaping the benefits from relations with rivalling major powers over the past decade. Three explanatory factors stand out: first, Bangladesh's 'intrinsic' value to major powers increased; second, its political leadership has been particularly adept in dealing with such major powers; and third, systemic factors - the number and kind of major powers with stakes in Bangladesh - has been beneficial. Thus, Bangladesh's foreign policy responses suggest that the competitive nature of connectivity investments substantially improves the autonomy of recipient countries. Moreover, contrary to theoretical expectations, the intensification of major power rivalry so far has not constrained Bangladesh's autonomy. Thus, the case study also exhibits infrastructure investments' limitations as a power resource. Nonetheless, the potentially most beneficial cooperation schemes involving rivalling major powers have become less likely. Consequently, the case study dampens incipient hopes in turning competing connectivity schemes into major power positive-sum games.
650			_aBANGLADESH _xCONNECTIVITY _xFOREIGN POLICY _xMULTIPOLARITY _xSMALL STATES
773			_aThe Pacific Review : _gVol. 35, No 4, July 2022, pp. 736-764 (103)
598			_aBANGLA, POLICY
856			_uhttps://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09512748.2021.1908410 _zClick here for full text
945			_i67500.1001 _rY _sY
999			_c41555 _d41555