Bridges and Boundaries: Alignments and Divergences in EU, BRI, and Russian Strategic Corridors
Bridges and Boundaries: Alignments and Divergences in EU, BRI, and Russian Strategic Corridors

Author(s): Syed Salman
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Economy, Business Economy / Management, Energy and Environmental Studies, Economic policy, International relations/trade, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development, Socio-Economic Research
Published by: Университет за национално и световно стопанство (УНСС)
Keywords: Cross-Country Cross-Continent Economic Development Theory; Belt and Road Initiative; European Union; Eurasian Economic Union; Geopolitical Economy
Summary/Abstract: Transcontinental connectivity has become a defining dimension of global development, linking infrastructure investment, institutional governance, and geopolitical influence. This paper examines the interaction between the European Union’s (EU) development objectives, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) goals, and Russia’s strategic aims through the lens of the Cross-Country Cross- Continent Economic Development Theory (CCCEDT). Drawing on comparative policy mapping, qualitative comparative analysis, and network perspectives of strategic corridors, the study explores how complementarities and divergences shape regional integration and global cooperation. Findings reveal significant areas of alignment: infrastructure connectivity, trade facilitation, digital governance, and renewable energy diversification. Divergences persist in governance frameworks, energy strategies, and geopolitical orientation, yet these differences do not eliminate opportunities for selective cooperation. The Russia–Ukraine conflict disrupts long-term complementarities by rerouting trade flows and fragmenting energy partnerships, but it also underscores the urgency of climate resilience, interoperable digital systems, and third-country development as shared entry points for dialogue. By integrating these perspectives into a triangular framework, the study extends CCCEDT beyond bilateral applications and demonstrates that sustainable connectivity requires both physical infrastructure and institutional compatibility. The novelty of this work lies in offering a comprehensive triangular model of EU–BRI–Russia interactions, providing policymakers and scholars with actionable insights for fostering cooperation even under conditions of rivalry and conflict.

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