The Role of Critical Infrastructure in Regional Security: An Analysis of Georgia in the Context of the Caucasus Region

Abstract

This paper examines the current state of critical infrastructure and the security challenges faced by Georgia and the South Caucasus region. In accordance with Georgian legislation, critical infrastructure encompasses both public and private assets that provide services in sectors such as energy, water, agriculture, healthcare, finance, and communications. Hydropower serves as the cornerstone of the country's energy sector. The future of the Enguri hydroelectric power plant remains uncertain due to the situation in occupied Abkhazia, and the oil and gas pipelines (BTC and South Caucasus Pipeline) are potential targets for terrorists in the event of hostilities in the region. The East-West Highway is considered a critical investment in transportation infrastructure. The 2008 war highlighted the vulnerability of the country's digital infrastructure in terms of cybersecurity. Additionally, the regional context presents a complex power rivalry: Armenia is pursuing closer ties with Western nations, Azerbaijan aims to enhance economic diversification, and Russia, Turkey, and Iran are actively seeking to preserve their influence in the area. Special emphasis is placed on the Zangezur (Syunik) corridor. Within this geopolitical framework, the Zangezur corridor, which links the western part of Azerbaijan to Nakhichevan, has emerged as a significant issue of concern for regional and global security.