Infrastructure Diplomacy: Türkiye’s Emerging Role as a Regional Connectivity Hub

Ever looked at Türkiye on a map? If you do, you’ll see that we are a literal bridge between Europe and Asia. You cannot drive from Armenia to Bulgaria without passing through Türkiye. And not only do we connect the East to the West, but we are now involved in connecting neighbouring countries to each other. Recently, in August 2025, Azerbaijan and Armenia brokered a peace accord aided by the US, and Türkiye has pledged involvement and support through a corridor project linking Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan through Armenia. This diplomatic move raised a question in my mind: how would building a motorway in a different country be beneficial to my own?

Türkiye has been the hub of regional trade and connectivity, and historically, Türkiye has connected, if not controlled, the comings and goings of people, goods, and commodities via land (the famous Silk Road) and sea (maritime trade through the Bosphorus Strait). 

So what makes the Azerbaijan-Armenia corridor so important? This corridor was initiated by President Erdogan as a result of the treaty between countries previously in conflict, so first and foremost, it creates regional stability and security. The second is obvious: trade! Especially for Armenia, connectivity would significantly boost its economy, which previously suffered from isolation due to conflict. And finally, opening the corridor would allow movement between the two countries and allow each nation’s citizens to connect safely and peacefully. 

Beyond the corridor itself, Türkiye is also investing in rail, ports, and trade corridors across its borders, rendering it virtually indispensable to its neighboring countries. It is truly insightful to me that the act of building infrastructure for other countries extends beyond its economic value; it is crucial in shaping diplomatic relationships. By investing in others, Türkiye builds trust and cooperation within the region. Projects such as the corridor are examples of strategic, constructive diplomacy, and I am inspired by the fact that physical projects can serve as tools for diplomacy and showing that progress can be both tangible and strategic.

Seen from an international relations perspective, infrastructure then becomes a form of soft power; building a network of positive relationships without the use of force or creating conflict. This enhances Türkiye’s credibility and leadership in the eyes of the world. Being part of NATO, we have always been involved in relations between countries beyond our own, and observing these strategies helps me understand how international relations, international policies, and practical projects come together in real-world diplomacy.

This resonates with my interest in international business and diplomacy. Within my lifetime, I can see the impact of the corridor on the region; how strategic, tangible projects can promote cooperation, peace, and regional stability. In fact, this reminds me of the Panama Canal and how it effectively shaped world trade and relations as we know it.

Türkiye is strategically using infrastructure as a constructive, zero-conflict method to increase its influence both regionally and globally. With diplomacy itself often pictured as world leaders sitting together discussing abstract issues, infrastructure diplomacy is a real and practical way we can understand international relations. Exploring Türkiye’s approach to regional connectivity has helped me see how strategic projects can shape cooperation and global stability. It reinforces my excitement for studying international relations and understanding how nations engage with each other in a tangible way. Reference: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-welcomes-strategic-transit-corridor-after-azerbaijan-armenia-peace-deal-2025-08-09/?utm