The Economic and Social Consequences of Reopening the Armenian Turkish Border: The Implications for the South Caucasus, Turkey, and Europe

Abstract: This paper will examine the regional implications of the reopening of the Armenian-Turkish border within the context of geo-economic and geopolitical analysis. This will focus on assessing the costs and benefits of re-opening the border for Armenia, the region, in particular economic development, regional stability, governance and foreign direct investment. The wider regional implications will also be examined, with a focus on the politico-economic implications for Turkey (especially within the context of possible Turkish accession to the European Union), the Black Sea region and Europe. The opening of the Armenian-Turkish border will significantly contribute toward the improvement of relations between Armenia and Turkey (this is not a prerequisite, a period of improving relations may serve as the catalyst for border reopening), provide the framework for economic development in the region, and aid the process of regional integration, reconciliation and conflict resolution. This will enhance the prospects for the integration of the South Caucasus within the Black Sea regional community, and the extended Euro-Atlantic Community