Executive Summary: Since becoming the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin has made developing a north-south trade corridor a centerpiece of his geoeconomic and geopolitical program. This would counter the impact of east-west routes and align the global south against the West. He has now declared this... MORE

Executive Summary: Western sanctions against Russia have hampered northern cargo transportation routes used by most Eurasian states, leading Russia to increase relations with the Taliban government on transport communications to connect to the South Asian market. Extending the International North-South Transport Corridor to Afghanistan and... MORE

Executive Summary: The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is constructing “3D Real-Scene China,” a real-time model of the physical world enabled by advanced telecoms and digital sensing technologies. The low-altitude economy, which is projected to exceed $140 billion by 2026, aligns with national strategy that... MORE

Executive Summary: Russia has more icebreakers than any other country but far fewer than it needs to ensure passage in the Eastern portions of the Northern Sea Route critical to its trade with China as well as to ensure that the Russian navy can continue... MORE

(Part One) Executive Summary Russia remains the dominant player in the Arctic icebreaker sector, but this advantage may face challenges in the coming decade due to the collaborative ICE Pact involving the United States, Canada, and Finland. For Russia, icebreakers are essential for accessing Arctic... MORE

Executive Summary: Russia announced the new Project 22220 Chukotka nuclear icebreaker in early November, which is part of a new generation of icebreakers crucial for transforming the Northern Sea Route through the Arctic into a globally competitive transportation artery. Moscow sees the Arctic as a... MORE

Executive Summary: In October, Azerbaijani and Iranian officials discussed the Aras Corridor railway project, a strategic alternative to the contested Zangezur Corridor, amid ongoing Azerbaijan-Armenia tensions and diplomatic efforts to enhance regional connectivity following the 2020 Karabakh War. The Aras Corridor strengthens Azerbaijan–Türkiye–Central Asia ties... MORE

Executive Summary: China, through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), plays a central role in developing transit networks in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, aiming to unify regional road infrastructure and facilitate Chinese exports. Chinese involvement provides economic benefits to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan but also gives China... MORE

Executive Summary: The European Union is working with the countries along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (also known as the Middle Corridor) to support infrastructure development and provide technical assistance for improving standards, digitalization, and regional interoperability. Disruptions along the trans-Russia northern route due to Western... MORE

Executive Summary: The Saimaa Canal, linking Lake Saimaa to the Gulf of Finland via Russian territory, is becoming a flashpoint in the deteriorating relationship between Moscow and Helsinki and, more generally, between Russia and NATO. Both Russia and Finland have cut back their use of... MORE