The Impact of Russia-Mongolia-China Economic Corridor Projects on the Communication of Cross-Border Ethnic Groups of the Russian Federation and Mongolia

Introduction. This article assesses the potential impact of the implementation of transport and infrastructure projects within the Russia–Mongolia–China Economic Corridor on the development and internal communication conditions of cross-border ethnic groups living in Russia and Mongolia. The potential impact of new projects on the ethnic landscape of the cross-border region is assessed through an analysis of the experience of previously constructed transport highways on the Russian-Mongolian border, as well as through an analysis of the dynamics of the ethnic situation on the border of Kazakhstan and China, where similar continental corridors have recently been implemented. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the positive and negative impact of the creation of new international transport highways on the well-being of cross-border peoples and their internal communication. A novel component of the study is the originality of its task, designed to assess the influence of economic factors on the ethnocultural situation of a cross-border region, as well as the original solution, which represents a combination of the geographical overlap of transport projects and cross-border ethnic areas, along with cross-regional analysis. Materials and methods. The study utilized monographs and analytical articles by Russian and Mongolian specialists and experts, statistical data, media reports, and private interviews with individuals from transborder ethnic regions. A cross-regional analysis (both spatial and temporal comparisons) was employed. The concept of an “ethnic transborder region” was used to operationalize the concept of a “transborder ethnic group” for the analysis of transport and infrastructure factors affecting its development. Results. The study yielded the following conclusions. Implementation of the Western Corridor project may lead to a reduction in the proportion of transborder ethnic groups in settlements closest to the border, but will not affect other areas along the new highway. In areas adjacent to the new highways and the border between the two countries, the proportion of nomadic populations may decrease, and population density will increase. The inevitable change in border regime will negatively impact the frequency of crossings to visit relatives outside established points, but will make crossings more convenient within established sections. The implementation of transport infrastructure projects will likely not lead to a change in migration rates for cross-border ethnic groups or provoke an increase in separatist sentiment. The creation of international highways will improve the well-being of cross-border ethnic groups by creating new jobs and opening up trade, tourism, sorting, packaging, and other businesses, while reducing migration of cross-border ethnic groups to regional centers or other large cities.

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