22 Oct
In a rapidly shifting world, Central Asia and the South Caucasus have re-emerged as vital crossroads for global trade, energy, and diplomacy. Experts at the Cc-Ti and JCC conference highlighted how this vast region is becoming a strategic bridge between East and West. Competing powers — China, Russia, the U.S., the EU, Turkey, Iran, India, and the Gulf monarchies — are now engaged in what analysts call a “Great Game 3.0,” seeking control over resources and international transport corridors that connect Europe and Asia. From the EU-backed Middle Corridor (TITR) to the Russia–Iran–India INSTC and the U.S.-supported Zangezur Corridor, logistics routes are reshaping global connectivity and supply chains.
Meanwhile, the region is positioning itself as a laboratory for the green transition. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are leading the charge with ambitious renewable energy targets and major wind and solar investments by Masdar, Total Energies, and Acwa Power. Projects like CASA-1000 and the Trans-Caspian Green Energy Corridor aim to export clean power to Europe and South Asia. Yet, challenges persist — outdated grids, bureaucracy, and high initial costs risk slowing progress toward carbon neutrali
At the same time, international transport and logistics are redefining geopolitical balances. The Middle Corridor and the INSTC symbolize more than infrastructure: they represent a struggle for influence, sovereignty, and economic leverage. With massive foreign investments from China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the EU’s Global Gateway, the region’s centrality offers immense opportunities — but also exposes it to external pressures and complex political dependencies.
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source: www.cc-ti.ch
