Multipolarity and the middle corridor are two closely interrelated and mutually reinforcing processes.

Multipolarity is a concept in which the international system comprises multiple centres of power, as opposed to a unipolar system (for example, during the Cold War, when the United States and the Soviet Union were the two dominant global powers). In a multipolar world, various countries or groups of countries (for example, the United States, China, the European Union, Russia, India, etc.) play key roles in shaping the international agenda. In the absence of a unipolar hegemon, the multipolar environment fosters the necessity for compromise and collaboration among nations, thereby creating conditions conducive to the proposal of diverse approaches to addressing global challenges. The Middle Corridor, for instance, is a concept that endeavours to promote such an approach by eschewing confrontation and prioritising the identification of common interests. The Middle Corridor, therefore, facilitates the establishment of common ground among these nations, thereby reinforcing multipolarity by achieving a balance between extremes, compromise, and cooperation. For instance, countries wishing to maintain a neutral stance in the event of a confrontation between the US and China can utilise the principles of the Middle Corridor to this end. This approach serves to strengthen their position in a multipolar world by fostering cooperation with both parties while avoiding direct confrontation. In the context of international relations, this can be understood as a commitment to the promotion of dialogue, the avoidance of confrontation, and the creation of conditions that allow for mutually beneficial cooperation between different countries and blocs. In a multipolar world, countries adhering to the Middle Corridor principles can act as mediators between different centers of power, thereby contributing to stability and reducing tensions.
In the context of an emerging multipolar world, nations are endeavouring to reduce their reliance on conventional logistics corridors such as the Russian Trans-Siberian Railway or sea routes through the Suez Canal. The Middle Corridor is emerging as a significant alternative, particularly for countries seeking to diversify their transport links, including the EU, China, Turkey, and Central Asian states. The development of the Middle Corridor contributes to a reduction in the dominance of individual powers in the domains of transport and logistics. Historically, Eurasian logistics was heavily reliant on Russia's Northern Corridor or sea routes. However, the emergence of the Middle Corridor has enabled Central Asian, Caucasian and Turkish countries to pursue more independent economic policies, balancing between different centres of power. China's promotion of the Middle Corridor as part of its 'One Belt, One Road' strategy is driven by the desire to balance the influence of various actors in the region, while taking Turkey's interests into account. Turkey considers the Middle Corridor to be a pivotal component of its strategy to emerge as a logistics hub between Asia and Europe. The EU also has a vested interest in the Middle Corridor as a means to reduce its reliance on Russia and to bolster sustainable trade chains. Russia, for its part, views the Middle Corridor as a competitive force, yet in the context of sanctions, it also exhibits a cautious interest in certain aspects of the initiative. The development of the Middle Corridor has the effect of reducing Russia's monopoly on cargo transit between China and Europe, and also reducing the dependence of Central Asian countries on Russian logistics infrastructure. This, in turn, has the effect of promoting greater autonomy for the corridor's participants, such as Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, enabling them to develop a more balanced foreign policy. The countries participating in the Middle Corridor (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey) have the opportunity to pursue more independent foreign economic policies. This is consistent with the trend of multipolarity, whereby small and medium-sized states are no longer constrained by their reliance on a single major player. Consequently, the Middle Corridor should be regarded not solely as an infrastructure project, but also as a manifestation of the global transition towards a multipolar world. It establishes new centres of power, redistributes influence in Eurasia and provides participating countries with the capacity to navigate between the interests of the major powers.
Indeed, we are observing the redistribution of economic and political influence between different centres of power (China, EU, Turkey, Central Asia, Russia and others) as multipolarity takes shape. This forces states to seek new transport and logistics routes, reducing dependence on traditional routes, and the Middle Corridor is becoming a natural response to these changes.
The 'One Belt, One Road' initiative, promoted by China, aims to diversify supply routes and mitigate risks associated with competition with the US and instability in certain regions. The Middle Corridor is a pivotal component of this strategy, facilitating the deepening of ties between China and Turkey, the Caucasus, and Europe. Turkey, positioning itself as a multipolar power, is actively promoting the Middle Corridor, thereby enhancing its appeal to Eurasian states. Ankara seeks to transform the Middle Corridor not only into a transit route, but also into a zone of economic interaction.
Balance of interests between East and West
The Middle Corridor traverses countries that have historically favoured a multi-vector policy, including Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. These states have expressed a desire to engage in cooperative endeavours with both China and the West, while concurrently endeavouring to avoid a rigid attachment to either side. In contrast to certain other transport corridors, such as the Northern Corridor through Russia, which is subject to sanctions pressure, the Middle Corridor proffers a more neutral and economically oriented model of interaction. This approach enables countries to attract investments from multiple sources, including China, Europe, Turkey, and even the United States, while maintaining a flexible stance on international policy. The Middle Corridor also fosters regional cooperation, particularly among the countries of Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Turkey. The establishment of robust trade and economic ties within the corridor facilitates the maintenance of balance, thereby reducing the likelihood of involvement in global conflicts. The Middle Corridor can be regarded as a mechanism that enables countries to maintain a neutral stance by leveraging economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and transport infrastructure, thereby enhancing autonomy and fostering interaction with both Western and Chinese nations.
Elbrus Mammadov

SR-CENTER.INFO