GETR: "Republic of Moldova: Integration and Tensions Between Chisinau and Găgăuzia"

 

 "Republic of Moldova: Integration and Tensions Between Chisinau and Găgăuzia"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Global Encyclopedia of Territorial Rights

22 May, 2026

P 1-9

Published: https://link.springer.com/rwe/10.1007/978-3-319-68846-6_878-1 

 The Autonomous Territorial Unit of Găgăuzia (Unitatea Teritorială Autonomă Găgăuzia) is an autonomous region in the south of the Republic of Moldova, primarily populated by the Gagauz people, who are primarily Eastern Orthodox Turkic. The region, divided into four enclaves, has a population of around 150 thousand inhabitants and is generally underdeveloped. Găgăuzia has strong relations with both the Russian Federation and Türkiye. Moldovan President Maia Sandu and her administration have attempted to improve relations between Chisinau and Găgăuzia to promote national integration. However, the general Gagauzian population is generally Moscow-friendly and remains skeptical of Moldova’s plan to join the European Union. The region overwhelmingly voted against President Sandu and a pro-European Union referendum during the country’s October–November 2024 presidential elections, underscoring skepticism among Gagauzians about Sandu’s pro-Europe project. Sandu (who was re-elected) will continue to face a tough challenge to convince Gagauzians to support EU membership. The August 2025 conviction of Gagauzian leader Evghenia Guțul will make this situation even more problematic.

Kapital.kz "Инвестиции, транзит и промышленная переработка"

 

"Инвестиции, транзит и промышленная переработка"

" Investments, transit and industrial processing"

Interview with Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Kapital.kz

6 March, 2026

Published: https://kapital.kz/economic/145709/investicii-tranzit-i-promyshlennaya-pererabotka.html 

 

Внешнеэкономическая повестка Казахстана все меньше сводится к отдельным переговорам и все больше напоминает управляемую систему, где дипломатия связана с инвестиционными институтами, отраслевыми проектами и инфраструктурой. В этой логике одновременно решаются несколько задач: укрепление предсказуемости правил для бизнеса, развитие транзита по Срединному коридору, запуск перерабатывающих производств в АПК, продвижение технологичных проектов в социальной сфере и усиление авиационной связности. Итог здесь измеряется не громкостью заявлений, а тем, насколько устойчиво страна переводит договоренности в работающие механизмы и реальные мощности. О том, что в этой модели выглядит сильным, а где сохраняются риски исполнения, мы поговорили с Уайлдером Алехандро Санчесом, президентом консалтинговой компании Second Floor Strategies в Вашингтоне, который работает на стыке геополитики, торговли и инвестиционной повестки по Центральной Азии.

Источник: https://kapital.kz/economic/145709/investicii-tranzit-i-promyshlennaya-pererabotka.html 

The Diplomat: " The Feasibility of Kazakhstan’s Digitalization Ambitions "

 

 "The Feasibility of Kazakhstan’s Digitalization Ambition"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

The Diplomat 

Crossroads

14 January, 2026

Published: https://thediplomat.com/2026/01/the-feasibility-of-kazakhstans-digitalization-ambitions/ 

Tokayev is committed to making Kazakhstan “fully digital within the next three years,” but what exactly does that mean, and are the government and people of Kazakhstan ready?

 

 

NE Global "Mining in Iran: A problem that affects the oppressed Azerbaijani population"

 

 

"Mining in Iran: A problem that affects the oppressed Azerbaijani population"

Wilder Alejandro

NE Global

3 December, 2025

Published: https://www.neglobal.eu/mining-in-iran-a-problem-that-affects-the-oppressed-azerbaijani-population/

Two noteworthy events took place between late October and November. In late October, the head of the Iran Mine House, Mohammad Reza Bahraman, said, “Iran requires about €55 billion (around $59 billion) in new investment to achieve its planned 13 percent growth target for the mining sector.” Meanwhile, from 10-21 November, the COP30 climate change conference took place in Belém, Brazil.

The two events are obviously interlinked. The global demand for minerals is ever-growing, with rare earth elements and critical minerals being the latest obsession due to their widespread use in new technologies. However, mining is a very polluting and destructive industry. More environmentally friendly mining methods are being developed, but they are not yet widely implemented. Unsurprisingly, mining is closely linked to environmental destruction, and this extractive activity contributes to greenhouse gas emissions through methane releases

 

 

 

 

E-IR: "Omens for Uruguay’s Presidential Elections"

 

"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.

 

Breaking Defense: "From F-16s to NATO, Argentina’s moves tilt West, but ties to China to last "

 

"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/

There are flashpoints to watch as Argentina navigates its future between the polar attractions of Washington and Beijing, including future defense deals and a deep space facility.

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.

Continue reading...

 

The Oxus Society: "Can Kazakhstan Decarbonise the Economy?"

 

"Can Kazakhstan decarbonise the economy?"

The Oxus Society for Central Asia n Affairs

15 March 2024

On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9Q2F-KJKqQ

"Can Kazakhstan Decarbonise the Economy? We engage with a panel of specialists to scrutinize the challenges obstructing Kazakhstan's path to achieving its renewable energy objectives. Additionally, we'll delve into potential strategies that might be employed to navigate these obstacles effectively. 

On the panel 

- Maximilian Hess (FPRI) 

- Wilder Alejandro Sanchez (Second Floor Strategies) 

- Madina Junussova (Uni of Central Asia) 

Hosted by Michael Hilliard Taped on the 15th of March, 2024.

International Policy Digest: "Quito’s Burning Priorities: President Noboa’s Trial by Fire in Ecuador"

 

"Quito’s Burning Priorities: President Noboa’s Trial by Fire in Ecuador"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez and Caleb Mills

International Policy Digest

26 December 2024

Originally published: https://intpolicydigest.org/quito-s-burning-priorities-president-noboa-s-trial-by-fire-in-ecuador/

In early November, Ecuador’s President-elect Daniel Noboa arrived in Washington with a critical mission: to lay the groundwork for his impending administration. As the son of Ecuador’s wealthiest man, Noboa’s visit had significant implications. His agenda included crucial meetings at the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, where he conveyed a stark reality. Noboa emphasized that Ecuador’s path to economic recovery hinged on international aid, underscoring the severity of the nation’s financial challenges.

Continue reading... 

NE Global: Can Central Asia escape China’s debt trap?

 

"Can Central Asia escape China’s debt trap?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

NE Global

August 20, 2023

Originally published:  https://www.neglobal.eu/can-central-asia-escape-chinas-debt-trap/

While Washington focuses on the war in Ukraine, Russia and China seek to expand their influence in regions where the US is not sufficiently engaged.

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IPD: "Curacao to Reopen its Borders with Venezuela"

 

"Curacao to Reopen its Borders with Venezuela"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

World News

International Policy Digest

17 February, 2023

Originally published: https://intpolicydigest.org/curacao-to-reopen-its-borders-with-venezuela/

Curacao has announced plans to reopen its borders with neighboring Venezuela in April. The Caribbean island, an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has a complex relationship with Venezuela, which includes trade, the migration of Venezuelans, and the future of Curacao’s vital Isla refinery. Hence, this decision will significantly affect the future relations between Curacao and Venezuela.

Relations between Venezuela and the Dutch Caribbean are not straightforward. It is essential to remember that Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao (the ABC islands) are autonomous nations within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. While the three islands can create their own domestic policies, The Hague remains in charge of defense and foreign policy. With that said, reopening the borders is a significant development and will have wider ramifications.

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Interview: "Between "attacking neighbors" Russia and the "forgetful" West: summing up Kazakhstan's foreign policy"

 

"Between "attacking neighbors" Russia and the "forgetful" West: summing up Kazakhstan's foreign policy"

Interview by: Yelnur Alimova

Radio Liberty / Radio Free Europe ---- Radio Azatty

26 December, 2022

Между «нападающей на соседей» Россией и «забывчивым» Западом: подводя итоги внешней политики Казахстана 

Link: https://rus.azattyq.org/a/mezhdu-napadayuschey-na-sosedey-rossiey-i-zabyvchivym-zapadom-podvodya-itogi-vneshney-politiki-kazahstana/32191081.html

Ресей саясаткерлерінің "қоқан-лоқысы", Тоқаевты сынамаған Батыс және Қытайға туған "мүмкіндік" 

Link: https://www.azattyq.org/a/interview-with-wilder-alejandro-s%C3%A1nchez-a-president-of-second-floor-strategies-consulting-firm/32193479.html

Citado en: "Rusia se recuesta en Asia para enfrentar las sanciones de Occidente"

 

"Rusia se recuesta en Asia para enfrentar las sanciones de Occidente"

Por: Augusto Taglioni

La Politica Argentina - Argentina

04/03/2022

Publicado en: https://www.lapoliticaonline.com/internacionales/rusia-sudeste-asiatico/

India, el Sudeste asiático y Kazajistán priorizan la relación comercial y el negocias de las armas con Moscú. La mayoría de los países se abstuvieron a la hora de condenar a Putin en la ONU.

Otras de las naciones aliadas de Rusia es Kazajistán. Ex república soviética e integrante de la zona de influencia rusa. Wilder Alejandro Sánchez, es especialista en el país Kazajistán, presidente de la agencia de consultoría Second Floor Strategies, y analista de temas de defensa y geopolitica en Eurasia y el Hemisferio Occidental  planteó que "Kazajistán es conocido por su famosa diplomacia multivectorial  y quiere volverse amigo/aliado/socio comercial de todas las potencias mundiales, EEUU, China, Rusia y bloques como la Unión Europea". 

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Geopolitical Monitor: Kazakhstan Turns to Foreign Investment for Post-COVID Growth

 

"Kazakhstan Turns to Foreign Investment for Post-COVID Growth"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

Geopolitical Monitor

November 22, 2021

Originally published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/kazakhstan-turns-to-foreign-investment-for-post-covid-growth/

Since achieving independence from the Soviet Union three decades ago, the Republic of Kazakhstan has understood the importance of procuring a constant flow of foreign direct investments to promote development and economic growth. The government’s priorities regarding where should investment go have changed over the years, as the current goal is to promote economic diversification, moving away from industries like energy and mining, to sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and green technology.

 Continue Reading....

International Policy Digest: In Pragmatic Speech, Kazakhstan’s President Highlights Challenges

 "In Pragmatic Speech, Kazakhstan’s President Highlights Challenges"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

International Policy Digest

10 September, 2021

Originally published: https://intpolicydigest.org/in-pragmatic-speech-kazakhstan-s-president-highlights-challenges/

 The State of the Nation speech by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakhstan’s president, stressed how 2021 is a jubilee as the country celebrates its 30th anniversary. But far from qualifying the situation in the country as ideal, Tokayev was pragmatic. “We must be ready for any challenges and threats, continuously improve and always move forward,” he noted with cautious pessimism in his first remarks as the country, and the world as a whole, continues to struggle with the pandemic, and Central Asia prepares for a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Additionally, two areas in which the government is particularly keen to move forward are energy, as Nur-Sultan and Washington recently signed a new agreement to help Kazakhstan develop a low carbon strategy, and the digitalization of the country to help grow the economy.

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The Diplomat: What’s in Kazakhstan’s 2025 Development Plan?

 

"What’s in Kazakhstan’s 2025 Development Plan"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Crossroads Asia

The Diplomat

23 March, 2021

Originally published: https://thediplomat.com/2021/03/whats-in-kazakhstans-2025-development-plan/

On the road to 2050, Nur-Sultan aims to diversify its economy and develop new industries.

 The government of Kazakhstan recently released its National Development Plan Through 2025, which complements the government’s primary objective of becoming one of the world’s 30 most developed nations by 2050.

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The Diplomat: " Why Kazakhstan Joined New Investment Partnership With Uzbekistan, US "

 

 

"Why Kazakhstan Joined New Investment Partnership With Uzbekistan, U"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Crossroads Asia

The Diplomat

26 January 2021

Originally published: https://thediplomat.com/2021/01/why-kazakhstan-joined-new-investment-partnership-with-uzbekistan-us/

Kazakhstan is working toward a more diversified economy.

 The governments of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the United States have launched the Central Asia Investment Partnership under the umbrella of the C5+1 format, in order to promote private-sector growth and strengthen regional economic cooperation.

Keep reading...

Wilson Center's Kennan Institute: A Rising Global Player: Kazakhstan’s Foreign Policy in the 2020s

"A Rising Global Player: Kazakhstan’s Foreign Policy in the 2020s"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Kennan Institute
Wilson Center 
No. 51
May 22, 2020
Originally published: https://www.wilsoncenter.org/publication/kennan-cable-no-51-rising-global-player-kazakhstans-foreign-policy-2020s

Media attention towards Central Asia generally focuses on initiatives announced by the so-called great powers, namely China, the Russian Federation, and the United States. Yet if we are to understand how this great power competition – namely, how the three aforementioned nations are “competing to shape security architectures, as well as norms and practices worldwide” – will unfold in the region, we must also understand the foreign policy objectives and priorities of the Republic of Kazakhstan and other Central Asian governments.[i]

Kazakh foreign policy does not envision itself as a pawn on some Eurasian chessboard, but rather as an independent power with its own objectives and ambitions. Moreover, Kazakhstan is looking to increase its image and influence, in Central Asia and beyond.

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Event: Central Asia’s Powerhouses in 2020: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Central Asia’s Powerhouses in 2020: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

 

with
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez & Catherine Putz

Wednesday, March 11th
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

The Institute of World Politics
1521 16th Street NW
Washington, D.C.

 To Register Click Here

About the lecture: This event will discuss recent developments in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan – Central Asia’s largest and richest states. We will address Nur-Sultan’s and Tashkent’s foreign policy objectives and regional initiatives as the new decade begins; some of the topics that we will discuss include Central Asian cooperation, the role of Kazakhstan in peacekeeping operations, and Uzbekistan’s priorities in the post-Islam Karimov era.

About the speakers:

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez is an international security analyst who focuses on geopolitical, military and cybersecurity issues.

He is a contributor for Jane’s Defense Weekly and Providence. He also publishes reports and commentaries in International Policy Digest, Geopolitical Monitor among others. He is also a member of the Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC), and the Forum on the Arms Trade.

His analyses have appeared in numerous refereed journals including Small Wars and Insurgencies, Defence Studies, Polar Journal, the Journal of Slavic Military Studies, European Security, Studies in Conflict and Terrorism and Perspectivas.

Catherine Putz is managing editor of The Diplomat. In addition to managing The Diplomat’s monthly magazine publication, Catherine serves as primary author and editor for its Central Asia section. She writes frequently on politics and security in Central Asia and Afghanistan. Catherine has traveled to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on recent reporting trips, as well as Japan.

Catherine is an MA graduate of the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce at the University of Kentucky, where she studied international security and diplomacy; and Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a BA in history with a focus on U.S. diplomatic and conflict history.

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.

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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.

  

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