The Role of Russia in the System of Transport Infrastructure Corridors in the Eurasian Space: from the Heartland to Greater Eurasia

The purpose of this study is to determine Russia's role in the system of international transport corridors in Eurasia by analyzing key transport and logistics projects, including rail, road, port, and multimodal infrastructure, that underlie the trunk routes designed to promote the development of a Greater Eurasian Partnership for the benefit of all countries on the continent, countering the destructive theories of the Heartland and Rimland. The research methodology utilizes theoretical, empirical, quantitative, and qualitative methods. The authors' study demonstrates that a long-range route is emerging in Eurasia, within which Russia functions as a system-forming link, ensuring the connection of the eastern, western and southern segments of the continent. Implementation of Russia's proposed "Greater Eurasia" concept, supported by major countries in the region, will lead to the creation of a functioning model of networked transregionalism, the foundation and starting point of which will be the coordinated development of international transport infrastructure corridors. The growth in mutual trade, driven by the creation of transport infrastructure, will be greatly enhanced by the increased internal connectivity of the participating countries, which will receive a powerful incentive to ensure that Eurasian countries enjoy the conditions for accelerated development.