I sat across from a Sri Lankan port worker who said to me, “We built the port, but now we don’t own it.” That moment stayed with me. It perfectly summed up the disillusionment that many countries feel about China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—a program once hailed as the dawn of a new economic…
China set out to redraw the global map with money, steel, and promises. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, was never just about infrastructure. It was a grand design to cement China’s place at the center of global trade by building a modern Silk Road. But today, a decade later, the cracks…
I remember my first glimpse of Tokyo, a city so alive, it almost feels as though it has a spirit of its own. Despite being constantly battered by natural disasters, this resilient metropolis continues to thrive. Earthquakes, floods, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions—Tokyo faces them all. Yet, it has always risen stronger, with each tragedy turning…
When I first laid eyes on the Grand Ring, I was struck by its raw beauty and ambition. What if I told you that the world’s largest timber structure isn’t a towering skyscraper or a forgotten ancient wonder, but a breathtaking ring in the heart of Japan? This is no ordinary feat of modern architecture;…
Imagine standing in the heart of one of the hottest regions on Earth, where the sun scorches relentlessly. Now, picture a $4.3 billion airport terminal rising from the desert—an architectural marvel that’s designed not just to meet today’s needs, but to shape the future of air travel. In a place where most airports grapple with…
Have you ever wondered what it takes to preserve an iconic monument like Big Ben? I stood there, gazing at the colossal clock tower in London, and I couldn’t help but imagine how close it came to being lost forever. You see, there was a time when a simple underground construction project almost brought this…
As I stood near the Huajiang Canyon, the sound of wind howling through the rugged cliffs was almost deafening. Below me, a breathtaking scene unfolded. Suspended between two massive ravines, the Huajiang Canyon Bridge was not just a marvel of engineering; it was a testament to human ambition and ingenuity. This bridge, set to open…
When I first heard about the Thessaloniki Metro project, I thought it would be just another city-wide transformation—faster commutes, modern infrastructure, and a cleaner environment. Little did I know that what began as an ambitious initiative would eventually turn into a long and arduous journey that tested the city’s resilience. Mega-projects are often portrayed as…
In Berlin, where history lies around every corner, there stands a silver behemoth. A building that looks like it landed from another galaxy. The International Congress Center, or ICC Berlin, is one of the city’s most iconic yet most misunderstood landmarks. Once a celebrated symbol of modernity and innovation during the Cold War, the ICC…
I’ve watched the global energy debate unfold, but what’s happening in Australia feels like a make-or-break moment. Australia’s energy future is on the line, and its next steps could either cement its role as a global clean energy leader or lead the country down a path of uncertainty. With 40% of homes already powered by…
I remember reading about China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) when it first launched. The vision seemed almost utopian: highways cutting through dense jungles, ports rising on barren shores, and railways uniting continents. It was a colossal attempt to reshape the global order, to uplift impoverished nations, and secure China’s place as the undisputed leader…
Consider the possibility of a futuristic nation in Latin America that takes a lead in energy resources while speeding trains decimate travel durations deep inside tropical forests and cities where archaic traffic once piled up is now glided past by sleek metros with futuristic futuristic designs. This is not science fiction but rather a glimpse…