M. H. DETLOFF, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor, Research Fellow,
CRSS, INSS, NDRU, MOD, RA, Associate Professor, Chair, Economics
and Management, International Scientific Educational Center, NAS, RA
SUMMARY
The International North – South Transport Corridor (INSTC) plays an important role in the South Caucasus region, acquiring strategic, geopolitical and economic significance. Against the background of conflicts and global changes in the global security architecture, international interest in the INSTC project is also increasing, since traditional cargo transport routes are disrupted or subject to significant risks as a result of sanctions imposed by Western states. In suchlike situation, the states of the South Caucasus are taking active steps to engage in the “North – South” project and accrue maximum benefits from it significantly improving their transport infrastructure, as well as implementing large-scale programs for its further expansion and modernization.
The transport isolation of the RA in the region is one of the main challenges to the security and economy of the state, therefore overcoming the transport blockade is not only of great economic importance for Armenia, but is also directly related to its security. Armenia’s non-participation in the “North – South” project may further aggravate its regional isolation, and therefore reduce its economic attractiveness, leading to an increase in economic and security threats. Therefore, in order to avoid regional isolation, it is necessary to quickly complete the construction of the “North – South” highway passing via the territory of the Republic of Armenia, the speedy implementation of which is one of the most important tasks of national security.