The Transformation of Regional Security in the Black Sea Region and the Geopolitical Significance of the Zangesur Corridor

Abstract

The article examines the security challenges in the Black Sea region, the geopolitical significance of the Zangezur Corridor, and its impact on ongoing political processes in the region. The ongoing Russia–Ukraine war has exerted a fundamental influence on global security and has called into question the existing architecture of the international system. At the same time, the South Caucasus has become an arena of interest for major powers, where the creation of various strategic footholds is pursued under the guise of economic projects. A particularly prominent place in this process is occupied by the Zangezur Corridor – a transport project located in Armenia’s Syunik province that serves as a connecting hub between mainland Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Accordingly, the implementation of this project should be considered not only through an economic and transit lens but also in terms of its substantial geopolitical and security implications. The article attempts to analyse the processes taking place in the region, the associated challenges, and prospects linked to the realisation of the Zangezur project.