Armenia and the International North–South Transport Corridor: New Policy for Transnational Connectivity
摘要
The research focuses on the alternative solutions for transport corridors between Europe and Asia in the framework of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC). Given the shifting geopolitical landscape, socio-economic trends, and evolving inter-country relations in the Eurasian region beyond 2020, alternative supply routes are necessary to mitigate the risks of disruptions in supply chains. This research prioritized policy solutions rather than economic benefits. The research hypothesis lies in the plan of establishing new partnerships, combining business rules, and promoting new communication routes from Europe to Asia, including Russia, Iran, and India, as initiators of INSTC. Business regulations discussed in this research are mainly related to the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The transport corridor between the Persian Gulf and the Black Sea has a leading position in the Eurasian continent within the dynamic world order and new features of internationalization. In this context, the research focuses on India-Iran relations as a balancing alliance of infrastructures. The balance of the India-Iran alliance is discussed within INSTC routes that can be carried out through three different directions: (1) Iran-Azerbaijan-Russia, (2) Iran-Azerbaijan-Georgia-Black Sea, and (3) Iran-Armenia-Georgia-Black Sea. The final approach is presented as an alternative and analyzed in the study, considering the legal, geo-economic, and regional circumstances related to Armenia and the surrounding area.