Роль транспортных коридоров в международном сотрудничестве (на примере Каспийского региона

Abstract

Despite its obvious relevance and practical significance, the problem of Eurasian transport corridors has not yet taken a proper place in the scientific discourse. This article is a small but important step towards the development of the stated topic. International transport corridors (ITCs) in general and Eurasian ones in particular are a fundamentally new mechanism of international cooperation and a factor aimed at overcoming the increased turbulence in the relations between the states. The International North–South Transport Corridor project is of global significance, Russian-Azerbaijani cooperation playing an especially important role in its successful implementation. Current instability of the global political landscape and increasing foreign policy risks have given rise to a tendency to actualize national agendas to the detriment of international integration processes. This tendency is, however, being constructively overcome through new organizational forms, one of which is the ITCs. The latter, due to the vector of progress from the national to the common domain, are becoming a sought-after and developing institution of international cooperation. Owing to the natural conditions, the geopolitical space of Russia and Azerbaijan plays an important role in promoting national interests. Due to the friendly relations between the two countries, the creation of this important Eurasian route has been progressing steadily, which is facilitated by mutual interest in the integration of the transport systems in order to increase the transit potential of the territories, by a significant coincidence of Russia’s and Azerbaijan’s geopolitical interests, as well as by a high collaboration potential in the region. The joint work of the Caspian states in the organization of Eurasian transport corridors has been experiencing a destructive influence of external forces, which significantly complicates consolidation of the countries in the region. At the same time, integration in the field of transport communications is the most important mechanism for overcoming instability and achieving a stable international security regime.