Historical Evolution and Spatial Reconstruction of the Eurasian Transport Corridor: The Example of the Silk Road

The purpose of this study is to prove that technological changes are transforming the geo-economic order and power relations in Eurasia, in particular in the space of the New Silk Road. This article analyzes the evolution of the spatial and temporal power structure of the Eurasian transport corridor under the influence of technological changes. The authors consider the technological features, spatial characteristics and logic of the Silk Road’s power in three different historical phases: the Ancient Silk Road, the industrial railway colonization of the Eurasian space and the Digital Silk Road project. The role of transport technologies in the reconfiguration of the geospatial, geopolitical and economic order in different periods is noted. The historical evolution of geopolitical and geo-economic factors of influence in the Eurasian space from antiquity to the present is described. Analyzing the current state of the space, the authors note the advantages of developing and implementing modern digital technologies. The study shows the relationship of technological evolution as a long—term factor, on the one hand, and the logic of space and power relations, on the other hand. The role of transport and digital technologies in shaping both the logic of logistics and transportation in space, as well as the geopolitical and geo-economic distribution of forces in this space is emphasized. One of the key consequences and results of digitalization is noted — greater political and economic dividends from owning information and data than territory. It points out the current problems of the political and digital order, such as the point of “data sovereignty”. In conclusion, the role of the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) project in the further transformation of Greater Eurasia is noted. The factors of interconnectedness of changes in the short, medium and long term are demonstrated. Recommendations regarding the further development of transport and logistics problems of the Eurasian space are formulated.

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