Quarterly Journal of West Asian Studies
(Faṣlnāmah-i Gharb-i Asiyā)

Quarterly Journal of West Asian Studies (Faṣlnāmah-i Gharb-i Asiyā)

The Zangezur Corridor and the Formation of a New Geopolitical Order in the Caucasus

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Turkish Studies, Department of West Asian and African Studies, Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran/Iran
2 Member of the Iranian Society in Western Asia, Qazvin Branch
Abstract
The Zangezur Corridor, connecting the self-governing Republic of Nakhchivan to the mainland of the Republic of Azerbaijan, aims to disrupt the geopolitical balance in the Caucasus region in favor of Azerbaijan and Turkey, while placing Armenia and Iran under geopolitical pressure and threats. Various speculations exist regarding the construction methods, transit points, and the location of this corridor, leading to interventions by Russia, France, and at times, the United States. The potential exploitation of this corridor is expected to bring about significant transformations in both regional and transregional relations, possibly leading to the emergence of new crises and shifts in alignment among regional countries, ultimately reshaping the entire face of the region. This paper explores the factors influencing the involvement of different actors in this project, the interests they seek to gain from their interventions, and the impact the Zangezur Corridor has on the geopolitical dynamics of the region and the relationships between regional countries.
The research method employed in this article is the Causal research method. Findings indicate that the strategic position of the Caucasus, its proximity to Russia, and the normative ties of regional countries with Azerbaijan and Armenia have prompted both regional and transregional actors to engage in this issue to pursue their respective interests and leverage their capabilities.
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  • Receive Date 05 February 2024
  • Revise Date 07 May 2024
  • Accept Date 05 October 2024
  • First Publish Date 05 October 2024
  • Publish Date 22 August 2024