DOI: 10.46340/eppd.2025.12.3.1
Gulgun Mubariz Guliyeva
Baku State University, Azerbaijan
How to cite: Guliyeva, G. M. (2025). Geostrategic Analysis of the Zangezur Corridor’s Potential Commercial and Logistic Impacts on the Region. Evropský politický a právní diskurz, 12, 3, 5-15. https://doi.org/10.46340/eppd.2025.12.3.1
Abstract
The Zangezur Corridor stands out as a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening regional connectivity across the South Caucasus by linking Central Asia to Europe via Azerbaijan and Türkiye. It is expected to reduce transport time and costs significantly, providing new momentum to trade, logistics, and infrastructure development, especially for landlocked Azerbaijan. This research employs a qualitative methodology based on content analysis of government strategies, statistical reports (ARDSK 2025), academic publications, and international expert opinions. The study focuses on assessing the corridor’s impact on Azerbaijan’s foreign trade, transit capacity, and its broader geopolitical significance in Eurasian logistics.
The findings suggest that the corridor presents multiple advantages: it creates a shorter and more efficient transport route compared to the BTK railway, facilitates direct Azerbaijan–Nakhchivan–Türkiye connectivity, and strengthens Azerbaijan’s role as a critical transit country in the Middle Corridor. The study also highlights the projected increase in freight and passenger movement and the potential establishment of logistics hubs in Fuzuli, Zəngilan, and Culfa. Despite the corridor’s transformative potential, significant challenges remain, including political resistance from Armenia, unresolved border disputes, a lack of a qualified labour force, and infrastructure financing gaps. However, if fully realized, the corridor may reduce dependence on Iran, provide strategic advantages to Azerbaijan and Türkiye, and contribute to regional peace and economic interdependence. It is also positioned as an alternative to routes such as the Suez Canal, enhancing Europe-Asia transport security. Additionally, the project is expected to attract foreign investment and foster technological exchange through international partnerships in the logistics sector.
Keywords: Zangezur Corridor, Azerbaijan’s foreign trade, Regional logistics, Middle Corridor, Transport infrastructure, Geopolitical risks.
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