The North–South Corridor in the Emerging World Order: Transport and Tourism Potential for Russia’s Interaction with Countries of the Global South

Abstract

In the context of Russia’s growing foreign economic and geopolitical reorientation toward the East, the dev elopment of transport routes connecting Russia with the countries of the Global South is becoming increasingly important, among which the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) occupies a special position. Its development can make a substantial contribution both to the growth of inbound tourism flows and to Russia’s adaptation to the increasing role of South Asian and African countries within the global economic system. Aim. The study aims to substantiate the necessity of unlocking the potential of the North-South Transport Corridor for the development of freight transportation and the strengthening of socio-cultural, particularly tourism-related, ties between Russia and the countries of the Middle East, as well as to analyze the factors constraining its development. Methods. The methodological framework of the study is based on a systems approach, historical analysis, methods of logical analysis and synthesis, spatial analysis, and cartographic methods. Results. The study identifies the most promising types of tourism capable of attracting foreign visitors to the North Caucasus and Russia as a whole, including ski tourism, balneological tourism, railway tourism, and cruise tourism. Conclusions. The North-South Transport Corridor possesses significant potential for a multiple increase in both transit freight volumes and inbound tourist flows. The growth of the latter is essential for achieving the target indicators established in the strategic development documents of the Russian tourism sector. The development of the North-South Transport Corridor will also contribute to strengthening social and cultural ties between Russia and the countries of the Middle East amid ongoing geopolitical transformations.