Interests, Goals, and Objectives of the Participating Countries in the North–South International Transport Corridor: Striking a Balance Between Cooperation and Competition

The article is devoted to the study of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which is considered a significant component of the global economic system, promoting international trade exchange and deepening economic integration processes. The INSTC connects the Baltic, Caspian Seas, and the Indian Ocean, offering an alternative logistics route compared to traditional maritime routes. In the context of geopolitical instability, sanctions against the Russian Federation, and structural transformations in the foreign economic framework, this project takes on new significance. Participating states view this corridor as a means to diversify economic flows and strengthen their regional presence. However, the implementation process of the INSTC faces several obstacles, including infrastructure deficits and strategic divergences among participants. Special attention is paid to the contradictions between potential economic benefits and political risks such as sanctions, competition from similar infrastructure initiatives, and differences in national priorities. The analysis is based on comparing the strategic interests of parties, available infrastructure resources, and coordination mechanisms. Ultimately, it concludes that finding an optimal balance between cooperation and rivalry is necessary for the successful implementation of this project.

North–South International Transport Corridor, transport corridors, geopolitics, economic integration, logistics, sanctions, infrastructure, Eurasia