"Uruguay decommissions more naval vessels, but replacements are in sight"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Naval Warfare
Shephard Media
26 August 2022
Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/naval-warfare/uruguay-decommissions-more-naval-vessels-but-replacements-are-in-sight/
"Brazil aims to donate howitzers, Urutu APCs to cash-strapped Uruguay"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Land Warfare
Shephard Media
16 August, 2022
Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/brazil-aims-to-donate-howitzers-urutu-apcs-to-cash-strapped-uruguay/
Senate and presidential approval is still needed in Brazil before Uruguay can receive ten M108 self-propelled howitzers and 11 EE-11 Urutu APCs.
"Brazil receives first A330 for multi-role operations"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Military Logistics
Shephard Media
12 August, 2022
Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/mil-log/brazil-receives-first-a330-for-multi-role-operations/
A pair of A330s will be converted by Airbus for aerial refuelling, logistical support, humanitarian aid, and medical evacuations.
"Kazakhstan-Azerbaijan: The Axis of the Middle Corridor"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez and Kamila Auyezova
Opinion
Geopolitical Monitor
5 August 2022
Originally published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/kazakhstan-azerbaijan-the-axis-of-the-middle-corridor/
As the war in Ukraine continues, the world is experiencing new energy and food crises, and sanctions on Russia mean that East-West and West-East commerce must find routes that reach Europe while simultaneously avoiding Russian territory. In this new reality, global supply chains are not only adapting to the dramatic effects of COVID-19 that have shaken the world for the past two years but also the war, which has brought new challenges.
One alternative route that has gained prominence in recent months is the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), commonly known as the Middle Corridor, a joint venture composed of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Turkey. The relationship between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan is at the heart of this Trans-Caspian initiative.
"Can Blinken Reset Washington’s Relationship With the DRC?"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
The Buzz
National Interest
4 August 2022
Originally published: https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/can-blinken-reset-washington%E2%80%99s-relationship-drc-203977
Washington must develop a blueprint for a more comprehensive presence in the region, apart from defense relations or humanitarian assistance.
U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken will take a
five-nation tour across Africa and Asia from August 2-11. The senior
official’s visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) occurs at
a critical time as the country experiences a new wave of internal
violence and inter-state tensions while seeking to improve its
investment climate.
"Supply Chains and War: The Importance of Baku’s Port"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Opinion
E-International Relations
04 August 2022
Originally published: https://www.e-ir.info/2022/08/04/opinion-supply-chains-and-war-the-importance-of-bakus-port/
As the world prepares for a new Cold War (or a second Cold War), the stress on global supply chains due to the war in Ukraine continues to affect international commerce. The flow of goods, particularly energy, from Central Asia to Europe has become a vital issue since the war commenced, with Europe looking for alternative routes that avoid Russian territory. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), commonly known as the Middle Corridor, has emerged as a viable alternative. The infrastructural cornerstone of this route is Azerbaijan’s Baku International Sea Trade Port.
