Paper short abstract:

This paper investigates the emotional aspect of infrastructure development with reference to the Piraeus case. It explores the ways in which emotions constitutes infrastructure development. Simply, what do emotions do regarding infrastructure development?

Paper long abstract:

Emotions are often ignored or downplayed in the analysis of the rationale and process of Chinese investments as the assumption is that infrastructural investment is pursued on the basis of (bounded) rationality which reflect the 'interests' or negotiated interests of the actors who take part in. As such, emotions are explained away by such rational reasoning as economic benefits and geopolitical influences.

However, it is important to understand the role of emotions in infrastructure development investment projects are awash with emotions. For instance, anger, fear, and a sense of betrayal permeated through the whole process of Piraeus investment. 'COSCO, GO HOME!' was the first message sent by Piraeus dockworkers who staged a 6-month strike upon COSCO's takeover. So do pride and hope on the Chinese side as COSCO presented its Piraeus investment loud and proud, claiming it to be the 'dragon's head.' More importantly, emotions cannot be simply discounted as being flimsy or irrational, as they are embedded in political discourses, and affect the perceptions, motivations, and intentions of all involved parties. Recognising the critical role of emotions reshapes how we think about politics, society, and the formation of policy.

Built on the studies of emotions and the logic of affect, this paper investigates the emotional aspect of infrastructure development with reference to the Piraeus case. It asks what emotions have been invoked, and more importantly, the ways in which these emotions have constituted infrastructure development. Simply, what do these emotions do regarding infrastructure development?