Silk Roads and Great Games: Prelude to Global Governance or Great Power Conflict?

Abstract: The Islamic world has its own dreams of resurgence and global influence. They know that most of the mega-networks that China envisions will retrace the ancient routes of Muslim traders, seafarers, and pilgrims–routes that form the sinews of a thriving world civilization that can become the equal of China and the West. Citizens of Muslim nations are well-aware that their governments are paying Beijing for these projects with their national patrimony, and they are demanding that the benefits accrue to ordinary people and their descendants.