University
Old Dominion University
Country
United States of America
Document Type
Conference Paper
Description/Abstract
The Three Seas Initiative (TSI) is a relatively new political and economic platform aimed at enhancing connectivity and infrastructure development in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). This initiative seeks to address the region’s historical underdevelopment and lack of north-south connectivity. This paper examines the role of the TSI in the context of a changing geopolitical landscape, where Russia and China are increasingly seeking to exert influence. The central research question is: Does the TSI represent a fundamental shift in the CEE region, and how can it foster interdependence while mitigating the risk of conflict? I argue that the TSI signifies a transition from a “shatter zone” to a “shatterbelt” due to its focus on internal cohesion, integration, and collaborative problem-solving among its members. The initiative’s potential success is rooted in pre-existing cooperation mechanisms and the strong foundation of a shared security community through NATO membership. While there are diverse perspectives on the TSI’s approach to norm formation, this research suggests that it will ultimately complement rather than challenge the European Union’s efforts towards CEE integration and economic prosperity. By strengthening the CEE region, the TSI can contribute to greater resilience against external pressures from Russia and China. This study draws upon political science and historical analysis to assess the TSI’s potential for regional development and geopolitical stability.
Keywords
Three Seas Initiative, Central and Eastern Europe, Regional Integration, Geopolitics, NATO
Disciplines
Eastern European Studies | International Relations | Regional Economics
DOI
10.25776/y51q-x813
Session Title
Global Security, Truth Subversion, & Geopolitical Challenges
Location
Chesapeake Room, ODU Webb Center
Start Date
3-21-2025 10:50 AM
End Date
3-21-2025 12:00 PM
Upload File
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Included in
Eastern European Studies Commons, International Relations Commons, Regional Economics Commons
From Shatter Zone to Shatterbelt: The Role of the Three Seas Initiative in Shaping Central and Eastern Europe
Chesapeake Room, ODU Webb Center
The Three Seas Initiative (TSI) is a relatively new political and economic platform aimed at enhancing connectivity and infrastructure development in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). This initiative seeks to address the region’s historical underdevelopment and lack of north-south connectivity. This paper examines the role of the TSI in the context of a changing geopolitical landscape, where Russia and China are increasingly seeking to exert influence. The central research question is: Does the TSI represent a fundamental shift in the CEE region, and how can it foster interdependence while mitigating the risk of conflict? I argue that the TSI signifies a transition from a “shatter zone” to a “shatterbelt” due to its focus on internal cohesion, integration, and collaborative problem-solving among its members. The initiative’s potential success is rooted in pre-existing cooperation mechanisms and the strong foundation of a shared security community through NATO membership. While there are diverse perspectives on the TSI’s approach to norm formation, this research suggests that it will ultimately complement rather than challenge the European Union’s efforts towards CEE integration and economic prosperity. By strengthening the CEE region, the TSI can contribute to greater resilience against external pressures from Russia and China. This study draws upon political science and historical analysis to assess the TSI’s potential for regional development and geopolitical stability.