📚 New Book 'From Friendship to Dependency' Analyzes Sri Lanka-China Foreign Policy

• Overview: Dr. Bhagya Senaratne launched her book, 'From Friendship to Dependency: Analysing Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policymaking Towards China', at the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies in Colombo. • Core Focus: The book examines why Sri Lanka’s relations with China face criticism regarding financial over-reliance and 'debt trap' allegations. It argues that these dynamics are heavily driven by domestic political factors, state leaders, and strategic culture. • Key Insights & Framework: • Shifting the focus away from China's position, the research applies Neoclassical Realism to highlight the agency of Sri Lankan bureaucrats in national decision-making. • Panellists emphasized that understanding past foreign policy decisions is vital for future national strategic planning and better policymaking. • The publication underscores Sri Lanka's high locational and maritime importance, noting China's historical diplomatic support during periods of international isolation. • Author Profile: Dr. Senaratne is an independent scholar, a PhD graduate from the University of Colombo, and the inaugural BRI Postdoctoral Fellow at NYU Shanghai.