International Journal Of Coastal, Offshore And Environmental Engineering(ijcoe)

International Journal Of Coastal, Offshore And Environmental Engineering(ijcoe)

Connecting Asia to Africa: The Role of the Iraq Golden Gate International Corridor’s North–South Axis in Enhancing Global Trade Resilience

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors
Rouhollah Amirabadi 1
Bashar Azeez Shon Al-Shihmani 2
Shakir Al-Busaltan 3
Samira Babaei 4
1 University of Qom
2 Port, Coastal and Marine Structure, Faculty of Engineering, University of Qom, Qom, Iran
3 Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Kerbala, Kerbala, Iraq
4 Port, Coastal and Marine Structure Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Qom, Qom, Iran
10.22034/ijcoe.2025.547195.1195
Abstract
This study employs a rigorous methodological framework grounded in the logical principles of observation, assertion, and argument to develop a comprehensive understanding of resilience within the Iraq Golden Gate International Corridor (IGIC) North-South Axis. Through systematic observation of existing infrastructure capabilities and vulnerabilities, the research identifies critical connectivity requirements between Asia and Africa. The assertion phase formulates a novel resilience-based design framework integrating multi-modal redundancy and decentralized governance, while the argument phase validates this approach through logical analysis. The resulting model demonstrates how strategic terrestrial pathways through key border crossings like Arar and maritime connections extending from Al-Faw Port to Jeddah and Port Sudan can maintain operational continuity amid geopolitical tensions, climatic challenges, and logistical disruptions. The research contributes significantly to infrastructure resilience theory by challenging conventional efficiency-centric paradigms and advocating for adaptive reconfiguration principles. It further introduces the concept of coopetitive governance as a mechanism for balancing strategic interests with collective resilience objectives. For policymakers and infrastructure developers, the study provides an actionable blueprint for creating economically viable, socially inclusive, and ecologically sustainable trade corridors that can withstand emerging global challenges, including climate change, geopolitical fragmentation, and supply chain vulnerabilities.
Keywords
Resilient Supply Chain
West Asian Economy
Iraq Golden Gate International Corridor (IGIC)
Continental Connecting
Sustainable Development
Subjects