Small states and competing connectivity strategies: what explains Bangladesh’s success in relations with Asia’s major powers?

This article explores the consequences major power rivalries over connectivity investments have for small states in Asia and thereby contributes to a better understanding of states’ strength capabilities an increasingly multipolar world. With reference literature on states, field work, interviews, Bangladesh’s remarkable success reaping benefits from relations with rivalling powers past decade. Three explanatory factors stand out: first, ‘intrinsic’ value increased; second, its political leadership has been particularly adept dealing such powers; third, systemic – number kind stakes Bangladesh beneficial. Thus, foreign policy responses suggest that competitive nature substantially improves autonomy recipient countries. Moreover, contrary theoretical expectations, intensification rivalry so far not constrained autonomy. case study also exhibits infrastructure investments’ limitations as resource. Nonetheless, potentially most beneficial cooperation schemes involving become less likely. Consequently, dampens incipient hopes turning competing into positive-sum games.