Geopolitics: December 2019

Monday, December 16, 2019

Geopolitical Monitor: Arms Sales in Africa: A Buyer’s Market

"Arms Sales in Africa: A Buyer’s Market"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez and Scott Morgan
Geopolitical Monitor
Opinion
December 16, 2019
Originally published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/arms-sales-in-africa-a-buyers-market/

The Russian city of Sochi hosted the first ever Russia-Africa Summit and Economic Forum in late October. One important development of this high-profile meeting was that Russian defense companies declared their interest in expanding their footprint throughout Africa by increasing weapons sales.

This is an important issue that deserves more analysis since, given the numerous and complex armed conflicts throughout Africa, a plethora of extra-continental actors, be them governments or defense industries, are continuously attempting to obtain new contracts with African states. Without a doubt, Africa is very much open for business when it comes to weapons transfers, and the world as a whole is looking to profit.

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Journal: " How are we getting there? The present and future of South America’s Antarctic fleet"

"How are we getting there? The present and future of South America’s Antarctic fleet"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
The Polar Journal
December, 2019
Originally published: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/2154896X.2019.1685177

Please contact me if you would like a copy of this essay.

ABSTRACT

While South America is geographically close to Antarctica, more so than some countries that claim Antarctic territory, it is nevertheless important to maintain modern and operational platforms, particularly vessels, via which South American states can travel to this region. In recent years, Peru has obtained a new polar vessel, while Chile is domestically manufacturing a new icebreaker and Brazil is looking to purchase a new polar ship. Nevertheless, countries like Argentina and Uruguay, due to limited funds, do not appear to have plans to acquire new polar vessels to replace their current, ageing naval platforms.

Certainly, governments can also utilise aircraft to transport personnel and equipment to Antarctica as well as to carry out some scientific tests and search-and-rescue operations. However there are particular advantages to possessing a vessel in the inventory of any country’s Antarctic program, since it can transport heavy equipment, and perform subsurface tests out at sea. Polar vessels also carry smaller craft and a helicopter, which multiplies the ship’s capabilities. This essay aims to discuss the current operational status of South America’s polar platforms, with a specific focus on ships, and what are their future. We will analyse the region’s ships and compare them to other nations that have Antarctic programmes (e.g. Australia, the People’s Republic of China and the United States), in order to have an idea of how South American states are doing in comparison to other programs. As we look at South America’s present and attempt to predict the region’s future in Antarctica, we will discuss issues like cooperation amongst South American Antarctic programs, and the future of regionally manufactured naval platforms for polar use.

Providence: How Can the US Help Taiwan in the Western Hemisphere?

"How Can the US Help Taiwan in the Western Hemisphere?"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Providence
October 22, 2019
Originally Published: https://providencemag.com/2019/10/how-can-us-help-taiwan-western-hemisphere/

The government of the Solomon Islands has decided to switch its diplomatic relations from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). This announcement occurred almost parallel to the US government’s decision to provide a major package of military technology, namely “66 F-16C/D Block 70 aircraft and related equipment and support for an estimated cost of $8 billion,” to the Asian nation.

Thus, while Washington continues to support Taipei, it has been unable to prevent some governments from establishing relations with Beijing. Many of the nations that maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan are located in Latin America and the Caribbean, two regions where the US has plenty of allies and partners; hence, as we discuss Taipei’s future in the Western Hemisphere, we must discuss what Washington can (realistically) do to help its ally.

Providence: South America’s Protests: Why Blame Yourself When You Can Blame Someone Else?

"South America’s Protests: Why Blame Yourself When You Can Blame Someone Else?"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Providence
November 20, 2019
Originally published: https://providencemag.com/2019/11/south-americas-protests-why-blame-yourself-when-you-can-blame-someone-else/

Three South American countries—Bolivia, Chile, and Ecuador—have experienced massive protests in the past couple of months. Discontent against the powers-that-be originated for different reasons, including anger over subsidy cuts, costlier living expenses, disrespect for indigenous rights, and one head of state’s attempt to remain in power.

In all three countries, their respective governments have blamed external actors for the violence. While a case can be made for this possibility, blaming “others” is also a sign that these presidents (or the former president, in the case of Bolivia) did not want to admit their own faults and shortcomings.

Providence: Guyana Matters to China, So It Should Matter to the US

"Guyana Matters to China, So It Should Matter to the US"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Providence
November 18, 2019
Originally published: https://providencemag.com/2019/11/guyana-china-us/

During President David Granger’s salute to the People Republic of China’s (PRC) seventieth anniversary, the Guyanese leader labeled Beijing as a “reliable partner.” Indeed, the small Caribbean state and the Asian giant have a long history since bilateral relations were established in June 1972, a history that is centered on Beijing’s interest in Guyana’s natural resources and geographic location.

The attention of the international media will (temporarily) focus on Guyana as President Granger has finally announced general elections for March 2, 2020, following domestic and international pressure after he lost a no-confidence vote in 2018. The upcoming elections, Beijing-Georgetown relations, and Venezuela’s own claims to Guyanese territory should make Guyana a bigger priority for Washington.

IPD: Brazil’s Other Green Revolution: Cannabis for Medicinal Use

"Brazil’s Other Green Revolution: Cannabis for Medicinal Use"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
International Policy Digest
December 14, 2019
Originally published: https://intpolicydigest.org/2019/12/14/brazil-s-other-green-revolution-cannabis-for-medicinal-use/

There are big developments taking place in Brazil, as the country’s National Sanitary Surveillance Agency (Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria: ANVISA) approved in early December a product registration fast-track that will allow the importation, and sale of medical cannabis in pharmacies while, at the same time prohibiting domestic cultivation.

Cannabis for medicinal purposes is a growing global industry. In fact, governments that have strong no-drugs policies make exceptions for medical cannabis. After all, cannabinoids, the substance derived from the plant, have been proven to be very helpful to assist patients who suffer from chronic pains, in addition to neurological and psychiatric diseases. The recent changes in legislation in Brazil will significantly change the CBD market and health system in the South American nation.