"US Air Force aiming to have CCA operational by end of the decade"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Air Warfare
Shephard
18 November 2024
Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/us-air-force-aiming-to-have-cca-operational-by-end-of-the-decade/
"Climate Progress Hangs in the Balance at COP29"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Opinion
Geopolitical Monitor
12 November, 2024
Originally published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/climate-progress-hangs-in-the-balance-at-cop29/
John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, will lead the US delegation to Azerbaijan to attend the upcoming COP29 climate conference which commenced on 11 November.
Other senior officials that will travel to Baku include Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack, Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, Assistant to the President and White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality Brenda Mallory and Acting Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency Jane Nishida.
"Maia Sandu’s slim win: Moldova struggles between Europe and tradition"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
NE Global
11 November 2024
Originally published: https://www.neglobal.eu/maia-sandus-slim-win-moldova-struggles-between-europe-and-tradition/
The results of Moldova’s recent presidential elections and referendum are final. President Maia Sandu won a re-election bid, while a referendum to cement the country’s European Union (EU) aspirations was also (barely) approved.
In a tight race, President Sandu obtained 42 percent of the vote during the first round on October 20. Her opponent, former prosecutor general Alexandr Stoianoglo, from the Socialist Party (Partidul Socialiștilor din Republica Moldova, PSRM), received 26 percent of the vote; he is generally regarded as being Moscow-friendly. The run-off occurred on 3 November, with Sandu winning 55.41 percent against Stoianoglo’s 44.59 percent.
"Red Cat expands clientele to Australian Navy and US CECOM"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Zona Militar
11 November, 2024
Originally published: https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2024/11/11/red-cat-expands-clientele-to-australian-navy-and-us-cecom/
Red Cat, a producer of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), had a busy October, as the company announced new contracts with the Royal Australian Navy and United States Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM), in addition to the presentation of its Arachnid UAS family.
Red Cat, un productor de Sistemas Aéreos No Tripulados (UAS), tuvo un mes de octubre ocupado, ya que la compañía anunció nuevos contratos con la Real Armada Australiana y el Comando de Comunicaciones y Electrónica del Ejército de los Estados Unidos (CECOM), además de la presentación de su familia de UAS Arachnid.
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Land Warfare
Shephard
1 November, 2024
Smart Shooter has announced that it will upgrade its systems and seek integrated solutions to defend ground forces, particularly for counter-uncrewed aerial system (CUAS) threats.
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Zona Militar
31 October 2024
Originally published: https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2024/10/31/air-forces-southern-receives-a-promotion/
Air Forces Southern (AFSOUTH), the aerial component of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), was elevated to Service Component Command on 11 September. During the ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Major General David Mineau also became the AFSOUTH’s new commander.
"El componente aéreo del Comando Sur de EE.UU. es elevado al nivel de Comando de Componente de Servicio"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Zona Militar
31 de Octubre 2024
La Fuerza Aérea del Sur (AFSOUTH), el componente aéreo del Comando Sur de los Estados Unidos (SOUTHCOM), fue elevado al nivel de Comando de Componente de Servicio el 11 de septiembre. Durante la ceremonia en la Base de la Fuerza Aérea Davis-Monthan, en Arizona, el General de División David Mineau también asumió el cargo de nuevo comandante de AFSOUTH.
"Changing of the Guard: It’s Time for Washington to Strengthen SOUTHCOM"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez and Dr. Ryan Berg
Americas Program
Center for Strategic and International Studies
23 October, 2024
Published: https://www.csis.org/analysis/changing-guard-its-time-washington-strengthen-southcom
United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) will soon experience a changing of the guard. On November 7, U.S. Navy vice admiral Alvin Holsey will assume command of SOUTHCOM from Army general Laura Richardson. During her time at the helm of SOUTHCOM, General Richardson carried out several initiatives to strengthen relations with U.S. allies and partners throughout the Western Hemisphere.
With a new commander in Miami and a new administration coming in Washington, it is time for U.S. policymakers to (finally) provide SOUTHCOM with the assets it needs to fully perform its mission. With an area of responsibility encompassing 31 countries and 12 dependencies, the Caribbean Sea, and waters in the Eastern Pacific and South Atlantic down to Antarctica, SOUTHCOM has much to do with limited resources. The change of leadership and the elevation to Service Component Command in mid-September of the U.S. Air Force Southern (AFSOUTH), the air component of SOUTHCOM, should encourage the next administration to engage more actively with SOUTHCOM.
"AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Uncrewed Vehicles
Shephard Media
4 October 2024
Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/uv-online/aerovironment-to-display-evtol-p550-at-ausa-2024/
"Omens for Uruguay’s Presidential Elections"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez and Caleb Mills
Opinion
E-International Relations
23 September 2024
Originally published: https://www.e-ir.info/2024/09/23/opinion-omens-for-uruguays-presidential-elections/
Uruguay will hold general elections on 27 October. As South American politics remain turbulent, Uruguay is one of the few remaining islands of stability and progressive thinking. Nevertheless, the situation remains complex as the country has several challenges. There are three main presidential candidates to replace President Luis Lacalle Pou (2020-present): Yamandú Orsi (Broad Front or Frente Amplio); Álvaro Delgado (National Party or Partido Nacional); and Andrés Ojeda (Colorado Party or Partido Colorado). Recent polls show that Orsi has over 40% of the vote, with Delgado in second with around 20%. If no candidate achieves over 50% of the votes in the first round, the two candidates with the most votes will have a run-off on 24 November.
"Embraer’s Millennium and Super Tucanos generate new customers"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Air Warfare
Shephard Media
19 September 2024
Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/embraers-millenium-and-super-tucanos-generate-new-customers/
"US Army Aviation targets increased UAS and CUAS capabilities"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Uncrewed Vehicles
Shephard Media
13 September 2024
Despite claiming there was no need for a drone corps, Army Aviation remains ready to address UAS and CUAS warfighter requirements, as it focuses on adaptability and rapid deployment across all levels of warfare.
"South Korea’s Growing Role as a Major Arms Exporter: Future Prospects in Latin America"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez and Hoshik Nam
War on the Rocks
Commentary
21 August, 2024
Originally published: https://warontherocks.com/2024/08/south-koreas-growing-role-as-a-major-arms-exporter-future-prospects-in-latin-america/
The last few years have seen a surge in defense spending, particularly in regard to conventional defense technologies. “We’ve had a huge increase in demand from our European allies and partners over the last few years since the … invasion by the Russians in Ukraine,” Defense Security Cooperation Agency director James Hursch observed recently. U.S. industries are not the only suppliers benefiting from this surge in demand. South Korea has also dramatically expanded its global role as a defense technology supplier. In 2023, South Korea became one of the top 10 arms exporters in the world, exporting $14 billion worth of defense technology to 12 countries.
"AFRICOM calls out for new ISR UAVs"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Uncrewed Vehicles
Shephard Media
16 August, 2024
Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/uv-online/africom-calls-out-for-new-isr-uavs/
With the venerable MQ-9 Reaper drone being “legacy’ed out”, US Africa Command will require new long-range, long-endurance UAVs for ISR missions in a complex geopolitical environment.
"La mer Caspienne, futur nœud commercial central entre la Chine et l’Europe ?"
By: Emma Collet
L'Express
14 August, 2024
Originally published: https://www.lexpress.fr/monde/europe/la-mer-caspienne-futur-noeud-commercial-central-entre-la-chine-et-leurope-TGCG7DGYO5F5XGIYUQU3GIZZME/
Commerce international. La route transcaspienne, qui relie la Chine à l’Europe par le Kazakhstan, le Caucase, la Turquie et la mer Noire, connaît un véritable essor depuis la guerre en Ukraine. Mais les problèmes d’infrastructure et de logistique demeurent.
"Wales Going Green(er) with Wind Energy"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Opinion
Geopolitical Monitor
13 August, 2024
Originally published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/wales-going-greener-with-wind-energy/
While Wales remains dependent on fossil fuels, Cardiff has made significant improvements in the past decade to become greener and achieve net zero by 2050; an upcoming milestone is generating 70% of its electricity consumption from renewable energy by 2030. Thankfully, the country’s turbulent domestic politics – First Minister Vaughan Gething resigned in July — have not affected the government’s long-term strategy of becoming greener.
"The World Nomad Games Return to Central Asi"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Crossroads Asia
The Diplomat
8 August, 2024
Originally published: https://thediplomat.com/2024/08/the-world-nomad-games-return-to-central-asia/
Sports diplomacy gets a boost as Kazakhstan amps up to host the 5th World Nomad Games in September.
"Regent’s Viceroy seaglider prepares for trials"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Naval Warfare
Shephard Media
9 August, 2024
Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/naval-warfare/regents-viceroy-seaglider-prepares-for-trials/
"Kazakhstan seeks larger role in international peacebuilding"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Diplomatic Courier
1 August 2024
Originally published: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/posts/kazakhstan-seeks-larger-role-in-international-peacebuilding
Kazakhstan is boosting its international image as a supporter of international peace, with its diplomatic and peacekeeping initiatives, writes Wilder Alejandro Sánchez.
On 10 May, the Kazakhstani government hosted senior representatives from Armenia and Azerbaijan in Almaty to discuss how to achieve a lasting peace agreement. At about the same time, Kazakhstan deployed troops to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Golan Heights. As geopolitical tensions rise and the world becomes more divided, these initiatives help Kazakhstan increase its international image as a supporter of international peace.
"Эксперты в США: «Венесуэла – это в реальности новая Куба»" / "Venezuela in reality is the new Cuba"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Golos Ameriki / Voice of America (Russian language service)
31 July 2024
Originally published: https://www.golosameriki.com/a/us-experts-venezuela-elections/7719450.html
«Термин “мадуризмо” – это не только сам Николас Мадуро. Это и круг его сторонников: членов Национальной ассамблеи, министров, руководителей государственной нефтяной компании и военачальников Вооруженных сил, начиная с министра обороны Владимира Лопеса. Их материальное благополучие, их власть, от которых они не откажутся, зависят от присутствия Мадуро на президентском посту, – пояснил в интервью Русской службе «Голоса Америки» Вильдер Алехандро Санчес, глава компании Second Floor Strategies, политолог вашингтонского Центра стратегических и международных исследований (Wilder Alejandro Sanchez, CSIS).
"Chilean Navy commissions icebreaker as race for Antarctica heats up"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Naval Warfare
Shephard Media
30 July, 2024
Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/naval-warfare/chilean-navy-commissions-icebreaker-as-race-for-antarctica-heats-up/
"Navigating Next-Gen Air Power in the Indo-Pacific"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Asia Defense
The Diplomat
15 July 2024
Originally published: https://thediplomat.com/2024/07/navigating-next-gen-air-power-in-the-indo-pacific/
The United States’ Indo-Pacific adversaries are already working on their next-generation fighter jets. Washington can’t fall behind.
"Do USVs Have a Future in Latin American and Caribbean Navies?"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
The Southern Tide
Center for International Maritime Security
8 July 2024
Originally published: https://cimsec.org/do-usvs-have-a-future-in-latin-american-and-caribbean-navies/
Unmanned surface vessels (USVs) are sailing full steam ahead, as evidenced by their (deadly) efficiency in attacks by the Ukrainian armed forces against Russian targets across the Black Sea. Though the security landscape in Europe is dramatically different from that of the Western Hemisphere, new technologies are always of interest to any armed service and USVs should be no exception. Whether USVs have a future in Latin America and the Caribbean merits deeper exploration.
"The U.S. Air Force’s Next-Generation Fighter Is Facing Headwinds"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Briefing
World Politics Review
2 July 2024
Originally published: https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/us-air-force-ngad/
The war in Ukraine has brought renewed interest to the issue of controlling the air domain during conflicts, an area that the U.S. Air Force did not have to worry about in Afghanistan and Iraq but will be a priority in any potential conflict with China or Russia. The service’s Next-Generation Air Dominance, or NGAD, program aims to develop a new fighter and ensure the Air Force’s airspace control. However, the program may be in peril due to budgetary issues and the legacy of the troubled F-35 multirole combat aircraft.
"US Air Force’s NGAD warplane program may crash, and that’s bad"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Stars And Stripes
1 July 2024
Originally published: https://www.stripes.com/opinion/2024-07-01/air-force-ngad-warplane-program-14357694.html
At a time of acute global disorder, with America’s adversaries investing heavily in their air forces, developing and procuring America’s next generation of aircraft is vital for our national security. The recent comments by the U.S. Air Force’s leadership signaling that the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter program appears to be in peril is a troubling development at a particularly inopportune time.
"Dedrone’s latest uncrewed solutions offers 'complete CUAS DTI-M kill chain'"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Uncrewed Vehicles
Shephard Media
25 June 2024
Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/uv-online/dedrones-latest-uncrewed-solutions-offers-complete-cuas-dti-m-kill-chain/
"Washington-Baku Cooperation Towards COP29 in a Fragmented World"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
E-International Relations
24 June, 2024
Originally published: https://www.e-ir.info/2024/06/23/opinion-washington-baku-cooperation-towards-cop29-in-a-fragmented-world/
Azerbaijan will host the COP29 climate conference in November. As preparations are underway, Azerbaijani officials are meeting with partners and carrying out “listening tours” to understand the issues global leaders, agencies and communities want to address. Besides a focus on climate change financing, water issues will likely be at the top of the agenda – and Washington will be an important partner in the planning stages.
An Azerbaijani delegation led by Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources and President of COP29 Mukhtar Babayev traveled to Washington, DC, in April. The delegation’s meetings included a visit by John Kerry, the former US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, to the Azerbaijani embassy in the US capital. The Azerbaijani delegation also participated in the International Monetary Fund’s and World Bank’s Spring Meetings. At a March event organized by Axios, John Podesta, senior adviser to the president for international climate policy (who replaced Kerry), explained that “we need to build on the momentum… particularly to deliver at the global level the finance that will be necessary to help developing economies transition.”
"The West Is Laser-Focused on Central Asia’s Middle Corridor. So Is China."
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Crossroads Asia
The Diplomat
20 June 2024
Originally published: https://thediplomat.com/2024/06/the-west-is-laser-focused-on-central-asias-middle-corridor-so-is-china/
For more commodities to move west from Central Asia, better infrastructure, more inter-agency cooperation, and modern customs systems are necessary.
"Will Astana find an alternative to the oil pipeline, which Moscow has turned into an “instrument of pressure"
Radio Azattyk
20 June, 2024
In Russian: "Найдёт ли Астана альтернативу нефтепроводу, который Москва превратила в «инструмент давления»?"
Российское вторжение в Украину, унёсшее десятки тысяч жизней, не только изменило геополитическую ситуацию на континенте и в мире, но и вынудило многие страны пересматривать традиционные логистические цепочки. Казахстан, который больше двух десятилетий полагался на проходящий через Россию Каспийский трубопровод как на основной маршрут транспортировки своей нефти в Европу, ищет альтернативные пути. Насколько успешно идут поиски и удастся ли Астане снизить зависимость от трубопровода, идущего по российской территории?
In Kazakh: ""Мәскеудің қысым құралына" айналған құбырға Астана балама таба ала ма"
Қазақстан мұнайының көбін Еуропаға тасымалдайды. Тасымалдың басым бөлігі Ресей аумағынан өтетін Каспий құбыр консорциумы арқылы жүзеге асады. Саясаттанушылар пікірінше, екі жыл бұрын Ресей Украинаға басып кіріп, геосаяси ахуал өзгергелі Кремль бұл құбырды саяси ықпалын көрсететін құралға айналдырып алды. Мәскеу қазақ мұнайы өтетін құбырды қайта-қайта жауып тастай берген соң Астана шикізат тасымалдайтын балама жол іздеді. Қазақстан Ресей құбырына тәуелдіктен арылып, мұнай тасымалдаудың балама жолын таба ала ма? Азаттық осы сұраққа жауап іздеді.
"Don’t Discount the Power of Educational Diplomacy"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez and Marin Ekstrom
17 June 2024
International Policy Digest
Originally published: https://intpolicydigest.org/don-t-discount-the-power-of-educational-diplomacy/
Kazakhstan, the largest and most economically developed Central Asian state, is working to strengthen ties with its East Asian counterparts. While much attention is often given to China, South Korea plays a significant role in Kazakhstan’s foreign policy priorities. In 2023, Kazakhstani President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared South Korea a “key partner in Asia.”
"Moldova’s EU ambitions rest on Sandu’s shoulders"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Diplomatic Courier
17 June 2024
Originally published: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/posts/moldovas-eu-ambitions-rest-sandus-shoulders
Moldova’s EU membership will ideally end the Moldovan identity and reunification debate. But the road to get there is a complicated one, writes Wilder Alejandro Sanchez.
"Russian warships visit Cuba, sending a message to Washington: Analyst"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Breaking Defense
14 June, 2024
Originally published: https://breakingdefense.com/2024/06/russian-warships-visit-cuba-sending-a-message-to-washington-analysts/
"Sea Control 525 and 526– Maritime Security in Latin America Wilder Alejandro Sanchez "
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Interview with Walker Mills
Sea Control - Episode 525
Center for International Maritime Security
6 June 2024
Originally published: https://cimsec.org/sea-control-525-maritime-security-in-latin-america-wilder-alejandro-sanchez-part-1/ (Part 1)
The program is joined by Wilder Alejandro Sanchez, an analyst and researcher of Latin American security. The discussion covers some of his recent writing and maritime security in Latin America.
Alejandro has been featured in a wide range of publications including Jane’s, Breaking Defense, and Shepherd Media. Sanchez writes the CIMSEC column “Southern Tide” focused on maritime security in the Caribbean and Latin America, and he is the president and founder of Second Floor Strategies. He is a non-resident senior associate at the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Listen to the episode (525-Part 1)
Listen to the episode (526-Part 2)
"Could Iran be a Gateway for Central Asia"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Crossroads Asia
The Diplomat
6 June, 2024
Originally published: https://thediplomat.com/2024/06/could-iran-be-a-gateway-for-central-asia/
Connecting with Iran may be tempting for Central Asian countries like Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, but increased relations with Tehran may ultimately be counterproductive.
"Kazakhstan Partners with Netherlands and France to Tackle Water Issues"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Opinion
The Astana Times
6 June, 2024
Originally published: https://astanatimes.com/2024/06/kazakhstan-partners-with-netherlands-and-france-to-tackle-water-issues/
Water is a precious commodity, and due to climate change, population growth, and inter-state rivalries and tensions, access to water will become even more vital in the foreseeable future. Two recent memoranda signed by the governments of Kazakhstan and the Netherlands aim to promote greater cooperation on this issue between Astana and its European partner. To efficiently address water-related environmental crises, cooperation is key.
"US supplies latest vessel to strengthen Caribbean and Central American security"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Naval Warfare
Shephard Media
29 May 2024
Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/naval-warfare/us-supplies-latest-vessel-to-tighten-caribbean-and-central-american-security/
"How Latin American Navies Combat Illegal, Unreported, or Unregulated Fishing"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Americas Program
Center for Strategic and International Studies
22 May, 2024
Originally published: https://www.csis.org/analysis/how-latin-american-navies-combat-illegal-unreported-or-unregulated-fishing
At the end of March, Argentina’s minister of defense flew aboard a C-130 Hercules aircraft over Argentina’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to monitor firsthand international distant-water fishing vessels potentially involved in illegal, unreported, or unregulated (IUU) fishing in the country’s waters. Across Latin America, navies and coast guards are the first line of defense to combat this crime.
"With back-to-back deals in Peru, South Korea defense industry expands South American foothold"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Breaking Defense
20 May, 2024
Originally published: https://breakingdefense.com/2024/05/with-back-to-back-deals-in-peru-south-korea-defense-industry-expands-south-american-foothold/
A new shipbuilding deal could be a test case that, if successful, could lead for years more work and millions more in deals for Seoul, in Peru and South America.
"A Green 5+1, regional water issues in Central Asia and previewing next year’s Astana International Forum"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
NE Global
11 May 2024
Originally published: https://www.neglobal.eu/a-green-51-regional-water-issues-and-next-years-astana-international-forum/
Kazakhstan’s Astana International Forum (AIF) has been postponed to 2025, as Astana is diverting financial resources to assist the relief efforts after massive flooding hit several regions. While this was the correct decision, when preparations eventually commence for AIF 2025, Astana should take a leading role in environmental issues by organizing a Green 5+1 summit focusing on regional water challenges.
"The ‘Middle Corridor’ Trade Route Just Got a Boost"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Briefing
World Politics Review
10 May, 2024
Originally published: https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/middle-corridor-azerbaijan-kazakhstan/
An international effort to create a rail and maritime transport corridor to connect Asia to Europe, while avoiding Russian territory, has gained momentum in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But the success or failure of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, or TITR, commonly known as the Middle Corridor, depends on solid relations between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, two countries whose borders on the eastern and western shores of Caspian Sea are key to enabling the route.
"USMC plans bigger punch for ARV-30"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Land Warfare
Shephard Media
10 May 2024
Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/usmc-plans-bigger-punch-for-arv-30/
"R600MC tested in Counter-UAS role from S-MET UGV"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Land Warfare
Shephard Media
9 May 2024,
Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/r600mc-tested-in-counter-uas-role-from-s-met-ugv/
Developed in cooperation with Javelin Joint Venture, the R600MC integrates four launchers (two in a pod on each side) for the FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missile along with 30x113mm cannon and +M240B 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.
"Quantum Systems unveils new Reliant UAS"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Air Warfare
Shephard Media
8 May, 2024
Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/quantum-systems-unveils-new-reliant-uas/
"Teledyne FLIR launches new SUGV 325"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Land Warfare
Shephard Media
6 May, 2024
Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/teledyne-flir-launches-new-sugv-325-with-multiple-capabilities/
"Kyrgyzstan: The Weak Link of the Southern Corridor"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Situation Report
Geopolitical Monitor
6 May, 2024
Originally published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/kyrgyzstan-the-weak-link-of-the-southern-corridor/
Transportation corridors across Eurasia are not new. China announced the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, and the project has been described as the New Silk Road. Moreover, when the war in Ukraine commenced, the Trans Caspian International Route, or Middle Corridor, quickly gained prominence to decrease reliance on Russian territory to transport goods and commodities from East to West or West to East. Another new initiative undergoing discussion and planning is the Southern Transport Corridor (STC). However, the Corridor one has a weak link: Kyrgyzstan.
"Red Cat looks to partnerships to expand Teal 2’s wings"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Uncrewed Vehicles
Shephard Media
2 May, 2024
Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/uv-online/red-cat-looks-to-select-partnerships-to-expand-teal-2s-wings/
"Sino-Kyrgyz Relations: A (Very) One-sided Relationship"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Crossroads Asia
The Diplomat
29 April 2024
Originally published: https://thediplomat.com/2024/04/sino-kyrgyz-relations-a-very-one-sided-relationship/
On the one hand, China and the BRI have aided Kyrgyzstan in opening up to global trade. On the other hand, Bishkek’s debt and dependency on Beijing’s loans are alarming.
"South America: small wars, insurgencies & aerial acquisition programs"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Small Wars and Insurgencies
Published: 24 April, 2024
Originally published:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09592318.2024.2336089
Abstract: While maintaining minimal deterrence capabilities, South America’s has not experienced inter-state warfare in almost three decades. Internal security challenges exist, while militaries are involved in various other missions, including humanitarian assistance, search-and-rescue, combating wildfires, and combating environmental crimes like illegal fishing and illegal mining. This analysis will discuss the evolving role of South American insurgencies vis-à-vis small wars, insurgencies, and other combat and non-combat missions by focusing on regional air fleets. The types of rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft Air Forces, Armies, and Navies are purchasing (or domestically manufacturing) explain what kinds of missions and threats armed services are focused on today and tomorrow’s priorities. Small case studies of helicopter and combat warplane fleets across South American militaries will help us understand what regional services spend their often-limited funds on. Moreover, we will address how regional air fleets may be composed a decade from now, by 2034, considering regional geopolitics, missions, and priorities (including environmental protection). Confidence-building mechanisms and the influence, or lack thereof, of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on recent acquisition programs and strategies will provide a more complete analysis.
Continue reading: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09592318.2024.2336089
Presentation: "The Role of the United States: A Green 5+1 Proposal"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Green 5+1 for Central Asia
Jamestown Foundation
Washington, DC
25 April 2024
https://jamestown.org/event/green-51-for-central-asia/
1:00 – 2:30 pm—Central Asia Becoming Part of the Solution
"From F-16s to NATO, Argentina’s moves tilt West, but ties to China to last"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Breaking Defense
25 April, 2024
Originally published: https://breakingdefense.com/2024/04/from-f-16s-to-nato-argentinas-moves-tilt-west-but-ties-to-china-to-last/
WASHINGTON — The surprise decision by Argentina to seek a rare partner status with NATO, coupled with Buenos Aires’s recent choice of Dutch F-16s for its next fighter fleet over Chinese rivals, appears to have handed the West some clear victories in a tug of war with Beijing over influence in the South American nation. But analysts told Breaking Defense the game is long, and China has many cards — especially economic and commercial ones — still in hand.
