Political Opportunities and Risks of Opening the Zangezur Corridor, Its Role in Increasing Transport Connectivity in the South Caucasus

Abstract

This article assesses the potential of using the Zangezur corridor linking the main territory of Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (NAR) within the framework of the West-East international transport corridor projects. The key risks of implementing this project in the absence of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the incompleteness of the border delimitation process are highlighted. The positions of other parties interested in increasing transport connectivity in the South Caucasus – Turkey, Iran and Russia – are analyzed. It is stated that the main problem in the implementation of the Zangezur corridor is the lack of trust between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the risk that Azerbaijan’s control over traffic along the route could be used to distort the existing balance of power in the region. The solution to these problems is proposed through the creation of a platform for constructive dialogue between Armenia, Azerbaijan and stakeholders on general issues of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, including the corridor issue. The creation of an alternative route through Iran is also seen as an adequate solution in case Armenia is not ready for agreements.