Caulker, Ewomazino (2026) Integrating legal and financial literacy in the BRI: a strategic approach to dispute prevention and resolution. In: Bian, Jing ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2846-6529 and Teng, Hongqing, (eds.) Financial Cooperation and regulation: along the belt and road. Accounting, Finance, Sustainability, Governance & Fraud: Theory and Application . Springer‑Verlag - Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd., Singapore. ISBN 978-9811610981 (In Press) (doi:https://link.springer.com/book/9789811610981)

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Abstract

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is one of the world’s largest international development and infrastructure projects, encompassing over 140 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. However, many countries involved in the BRI face legal and financial disputes because they may not fully understand the laws, contracts, or financing terms involved. For example, disputes over Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port and Kenya’s Mombasa Port highlight the risks of unclear loan terms and limited legal oversight. This chapter argues that improving both legal literacy (understanding international laws and rights) and financial literacy (understanding financial risks and responsibilities), can help countries better prevent and resolve these disputes.

Legal and financial literacy are closely linked. A country cannot make informed decisions about financing without understanding their financial state and knowing the legal consequences, and vice versa. When governments and local stakeholders understand investment laws, contract terms, and dispute resolution systems, they are better prepared to avoid unfair deals and manage disagreements effectively. The chapter also explores common dispute resolution options in the BRI, such as international arbitration and mediation, and discusses the challenges faced by countries with weak institutional knowledge. It ends by offering practical suggestions to strengthen legal and financial literacy in BRI partner countries, with support from international organisations and training programmes.

Item Type:	Book Section
Additional Information:	A 2024 book with the same title does exist — but it is not a separate edition. It is the same forthcoming Springer volume. ** Note: A 2024 book with the same title does exist — but it is not a separate edition. It is the same forthcoming Springer volume. *Official publisher's webpage (ULR link) not activated as yet (Jan 21, 2026). There have been previous attempts (2021 & 2024) to publish this but the publication was postponed for June 2026. - MP
Uncontrolled Keywords:	legal literacy, financial literacy, BRI dispute resolution, international law, arbitration, infrastructure governance
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HG Finance K Law > K Law (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Law and Criminology
Last Modified:	21 Jan 2026 11:24
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/52309

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