This paper discusses the critical role that the Eastern Section (“Eastern Polygon”) of the Trans-Siberian rail line (TSR) plays in Moscow’s broader strategy toward the Asia-Pacific and Eurasia. The paper argues that existing domestic financial constraints in the rail infrastructure development of the “Eastern Polygon,” while relevant, do not account alone for Russia’s increasing challenges when it comes to simultaneously integrate in the political economy of the Asia-Pacific, modernize the Far East Regions of the country, and leverage both to secure the TSR’s monopolistic position as main transcontinental artery between Asia and Europe. It is much more the combined and cumulative effect of domestic, financial infrastructure constraints along this section of the TSR, China’s ambiguous position on the TSR’s role in its Belt and Road Initiative as well as the emergence of new corridors following the geographic shift in production and industrial locations inside China which ultimately thwarts Russia’s plan to leverage the “Eastern Polygon” to realize its geopolitical and geo-economic ambitions in the Asia-Pacific and Eurasia at large.

中文翻译：

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跨西伯利亚铁路线的“东方多边形”：评估俄罗斯对欧亚和亚太战略的关键因素

本文讨论了跨西伯利亚铁路线 (TSR) 的东段（“东方多边形”）在莫斯科面向亚太和欧亚大陆的更广泛战略中所起的关键作用。该论文认为，“东方多边形”铁路基础设施发展中现有的国内财政限制虽然相关，但并不能单独说明俄罗斯在同时融入亚太政治经济、实现远东地区现代化方面面临的日益严峻的挑战。该国东部地区，并利用两者来确保 TSR 作为亚洲和欧洲之间的主要横贯大陆动脉的垄断地位。更多的是国内金融基础设施限制在 TSR 的这一部分的综合和累积效应，