IISD Insight Series on the Belt and Road Initiative
Through this series, IISD examines the evolving landscape of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Each insight explores key dimensions of the initiative’s shifting priorities, policies, and legal architecture, with a focus on how policymakers in emerging and developing economies can maximize the benefits of BRI investments.
The first insight in the series, published in February 2026, explores the growing diversification of BRI investments and highlights why host countries may wish to adapt their approaches, placing greater emphasis on public participation, transparency, and rigorous pre-investment assessments.
The second insight delves into the BRI’s legal architecture, unpacking its range of instruments, from “soft law” mechanisms such as political understandings, policy guidance, and Memorandums of Understanding, to more binding commitments.
Additional insights in the series examine topics including the greening of the BRI, investor–state dispute settlement in the BRI context, and other emerging issues.
Supporting Independent Research and Policy Development on the BRI
Building on IISD's long-standing work on investment, IISD is deepening its research and policy engagement on Chinese overseas investment, with a particular focus on how BRI-related projects can better align with sustainable development objectives in host countries. This includes analytical work on investment governance, legal frameworks, and environmental and social safeguards, as well as direct engagement with policymakers and practitioners.
IISD works closely with policymakers across developing countries, including through its Investment Policy Forum community, providing a platform for peer learning and policy dialogue. IISD also hosts the Secretariat International Support Office (SISO) of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED), supporting international cooperation on environment and development issues linked to China’s global footprint.
If you are interested in supporting independent research and policy development on Chinese overseas investment and its impacts in host countries, we would welcome the opportunity to connect. Please contact [email protected] or [email protected].
Project team
Nathalie Bernasconi-Osterwalder
Vice-President, Global Strategies and Managing Director, Europe
Suzy H. Nikièma
Director, Sustainable Investment
Josef Ostřanský
Senior Policy Advisor, Sustainable Investment
Stanley U. Nweke-Eze
Legal and Policy Advisor
Isaak Bowers
Senior Communications Officer
Scott Emery
Communications Assistant
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