'Bridges to nowhere': How infrastructure gaps undermine national defense, economic growth

Global Watch | 2025-10-02

In the heart of Africa, South America and Asia, the lack of robust transportation networks of roads, bridges and railways has become a silent crisis, undermining national defense, disaster response and economic development.

These "bridges to nowhere" are not just physical gaps in infrastructure; they are symbolic of the missed opportunities and systemic failures that keep millions trapped in cycles of poverty and insecurity.

In Africa, the consequences of weak road networks are particularly stark. For example, in South Sudan, where the rainy season transforms dirt roads into impassable quagmires, it's almost impossible to deploy troops to secure borders or respond to terrorist threats.

Militant groups like the Lord's Resistance Army exploit these vulnerabilities, moving freely across borders and destabilizing entire regions. The inability to secure borders not only threatens national security but also discourages foreign investment, perpetuating economic stagnation.

The ripple effects of poor infrastructure extend beyond security. Farmers in South Sudan struggle to transport their produce to markets due to the high costs and delays caused by poor roads. By the time they get their crops to the market, half of them are spoiled.

This forces them to sell at a loss, leaving little profit to reinvest in their farms. These stories are not unique; it is the lived reality of countless small business owners and farmers across Africa. High transportation costs erode their competitiveness, stifling local economies and deepening poverty.

The economic toll of isolation in South America

In South America, the story is similar. Landlocked countries like Bolivia face significant economic disadvantages due to inadequate road systems. Poor connectivity between rural and urban areas hinders trade, exacerbates food insecurity and complicates disaster response.

For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of reliable transportation networks delayed the delivery of medical supplies to remote areas, costing lives and deepening public distrust in government institutions.

The economic toll is immense. Small businesses in rural Bolivia struggle to access urban markets, limiting their growth potential. This isolation not only stifles economic activity but also perpetuates inequality, as rural communities are left behind in the race for development.

In Asia, countries like Afghanistan face unique challenges. Decades of conflict have left the nation's infrastructure in ruins, making it difficult to rebuild and modernize. Poor road networks hinder military operations, allowing insurgent groups to exploit remote areas.

This lack of security creates a vicious cycle, where instability discourages investment in infrastructure, further weakening the state's ability to govern effectively.

The absence of reliable transportation networks also hampers disaster response. In the aftermath of natural disasters, such as the seasonal floods in Pakistan, poor infrastructure delays relief efforts, leaving vulnerable populations to fend for themselves. These delays exacerbate human suffering and undermine public trust in government institutions.

The human cost of neglected infrastructure

The human cost of these infrastructure gaps is profound. For economically active populations aged 18 to 59, poor infrastructure limits access to education, healthcare and job opportunities. It also stifles innovation and entrepreneurship, as businesses can't thrive in environments where basic logistical challenges remain unresolved.

At the same time, the lack of sustainable soft infrastructure, such as education systems, healthcare and financial institutions, further compounds the problem. Without reliable roads and bridges, it is almost impossible to build the schools, hospitals and markets that form the backbone of a thriving society. This creates a development trap, where the absence of hard infrastructure undermines the very soft infrastructure needed to improve quality of life.

Addressing these infrastructure gaps requires a coordinated effort between governments, international organizations and the private sector. Public-private partnerships can play a crucial role in mobilizing the resources and expertise needed to build and maintain transportation networks.

Investments in sustainable and resilient infrastructure, such as climate-resilient roads and bridges, are essential to ensure long-term benefits.

The stakes are high. Without immediate action, the "bridges to nowhere" will continue to undermine national defense, hinder disaster response and stifle economic growth.

However, with the right investments and policies, these gaps can be transformed into bridges to opportunity, connecting people to markets, ideas and each other. For millions of people around the globe, the road to a better future begins with a single step -- on a road that actually leads somewhere.