Paradigms of Georgia's Transit Potential in the Context of Contemporary Global Challenges

Abstract

As the centuries pass, global civilization continues to evolve, fostering the progress of globalization processes. Consequently, contemporary society witnesses the increasing convergence of social, economic, political, and demographic processes, which amplifies the significance of international economic activities among nations. Throughout the stages of civilizational development, trade and transportation relations between states have been of paramount importance. In today’s context, this is even more pronounced, as the transportation of goods, transit, and customs procedures serve as mechanisms for shaping economic, social, and political relations among nations. Furthermore, they support developing countries in establishing themselves within regional and international trade markets. Georgia is no exception. Historically, it was a significant part of the Silk Road, linking East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas. The strategic location of our country at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia plays a vital role in regional and international transportation and trade. Georgia acts as a key connector, bridging historically distinct Europe and Asia. Thus, Georgia’s transit corridor emerges as a crucial element of regional and international transport and trade networks. The primary aim of this scientific work is to determine Georgia’s importance as a major transit country in the context of significant socio-economic developments of recent years. The subject of this study is the current state of Georgia’s transit potential, including goods transported via transit and the role of the TIR carnet system in these processes. The object of research is Georgia’s transit corridor and its geo-economic realities. Georgia is actively developing transit infrastructure to further enhance its role as a regional and international transit hub. Its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, combined with ongoing infrastructure projects and efforts to improve transport connectivity, positions Georgia as a leading player in transit development. The country has established connections with neighboring states – Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey – as well as with major trading nations such as the United States, China, and Eastern European countries.