NEW GEOPOLITICAL ARCHITECTURE IN CENTRAL ASIA-WEST RELATIONS: THE IMPACT OF THE "TRUMP CORRIDOR" ON THE REGIONAL BALANCE OF POWER AND AZERBAIJAN'S TRANSIT ROLE

The ongoing geopolitical and geoeconomic transformations in the contemporary international system have significantly reshaped the nature and scope of relations between Central Asia and the West. In this context, the development of transport and logistics corridors has accelerated the diversification of global trade routes, thereby increasing the strategic importance of the region. This article analyzes the concept of the “Trump Corridor” as a geopolitical framework representing Western-oriented alternative connectivity routes.The main objective of the study is to examine the emerging geopolitical architecture in Central Asia West relations, assess its impact on the regional balance of power, and explore the transformation of Azerbaijan’s role as a transit state. The research is based on a qualitative methodology, employing comparative analysis, geopolitical assessment, and document analysis of international policy frameworks. The findings indicate that the emergence of new transport corridors reduces the relative dominance of traditional regional powers, particularly Russia and China, while simultaneously enhancing the geoeconomic influence of Western actors. This shift enables Central Asian states to pursue more diversified and multi-vector foreign policies. The study further demonstrates that Azerbaijan, due to its strategic geographic location, advanced transport infrastructure, and ongoing large-scale development projects, has become a key transit and logistics hub in East West connectivity. The development of alternative routes such as the “Trump Corridor” further strengthens Azerbaijan’s regional and global significance.In conclusion, the article argues that transport corridors in the contemporary era function not only as economic instruments but also as strategic tools of geopolitical influence, positioning Azerbaijan as a central actor in the newly emerging geopolitical architecture.