Georgia’s Participation in the Middle Corridor Project: Security Dimensions and Intelligence-Hybrid Risks

Abstract

The article is devoted to the security dimension of Georgia’s participation in the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route) project. It analyses the benefits, risks, and challenges generated by the project in the context of national security policy. The study is based on qualitative empirical data collected through the analysis of semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted with high-level experts in military intelligence, diplomacy, economic security, and transport policy. The findings demonstrate that the Middle Corridor significantly strengthens Georgia’s economic and political security through route diversification and deeper Western integration. At the same time, it attracts intelligence and hybrid interest from certain states, thereby increasing the risks of destabilization. Key challenges identified include the protection of critical infrastructure, counter-intelligence measures, and the maintenance of politico-economic balance in a complex geopolitical environment.