Multipolarity Multipolarity Dialogues: Carlos Roa On How The New Golden Road Is Power South
Sep 18, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Carlos Roa, Director of Research at the Danube Institute and former executive editor of The National Interest, delves into the transformative India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor, also known as the New Golden Road. He highlights its significance in the global landscape, especially in contrast to the Silk Road and other routes. The conversation explores how small states maneuver through geopolitical tensions, the strategic importance of infrastructure, and the evolving U.S. policy towards China and Taiwan, making complex geopolitics accessible and fascinating.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Old Golden Road's Economic Power
- Ancient Indo-European maritime trade (the "old Golden Road") massively funded Roman state coffers and reshaped geopolitics.
- Time and route mattered: sea links via the Red Sea and monsoon winds cut journey times from years to weeks, creating huge wealth flows.
IMEC As A Strategic Diversification Project
- The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) links India to Europe via the Arabian Peninsula to diversify trade and energy ties.
- The U.S. and partners see IMEC as a way to reduce reliance on China and Russian energy while empowering regional allies.
Israel's Export Push After Second Intifada
- Israel shifted from investment-led to export-led growth after the Second Intifada, prompting infrastructure diplomacy.
- That economic pivot helped motivate Israel's outreach and laid groundwork for the Abraham Accords and regional corridor plans.
