IPD: "Mr. Tokayev goes to Brussels"

 

 

"Mr. Tokayev goes to Brussels"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

International Policy Digest

10 July 2026

Published: https://intpolicydigest.org/mr-tokayev-goes-to-brussels/ 

 

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited Brussels in late June, where he met with senior European Union officials. By most measures, the trip was a success. According to news reports, the two sides signed memoranda of understanding worth more than $12 billion. For Astana, the visit also reinforced the logic of its long-standing multivector foreign policy, which seeks to maintain constructive relationships with major global powers, including the European Union and its member states.

It has already been a busy spring and summer for Kazakhstan on both the domestic and foreign policy fronts. In March, the country held a referendum proposing amendments to roughly 80 percent of the Constitution. The referendum passed, setting in motion sweeping institutional reforms.

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.

KazInform: "The government must adapt to the new realities, says an American expert" / Правительство должно адаптироваться к новым реалиям — американский эксперт "

  

"Правительство должно адаптироваться к новым реалиям — американский эксперт" or "The government must adapt to the new realities, says an American expert"

By Rustem Kozhybaev

 KazInform

29 January, 2026

Published: https://www.inform.kz/ru/pravitelstvo-dolzhno-adaptirovatsya-k-novim-realiyam-amerikanskiy-ekspert

 

Правительство — живой организм, и оно должно развиваться и адаптироваться к новым внутренним и глобальным реалиям. Аналогичным образом, все государственные учреждения должны быть модернизированы для более эффективного выполнения своих обязанностей, заявил Уайлдер Алехандро Санчес, президент консалтинговой фирмы «Second Floor Strategies LLC» в Вашингтоне, комментируя политические преобразования в Казахстане, анонсированные на V Национальном курултае, собственному корреспонденту агентства Kazinform.

 

 

CSIS: "An Unnecessary Territorial Dispute in the Amazon: Colombia’s Petro Focuses on the Wrong Threats "

 

 "An Unnecessary Territorial Dispute in the Amazon: Colombia’s Petro Focuses on the Wrong Threats"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Americas Program

Center for Strategic and International Studies

26 August 2025

Published: https://www.csis.org/analysis/unnecessary-territorial-dispute-amazon-colombias-petro-focuses-wrong-threats 

Colombia faces several challenges. The assassination of presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay and two deadly attacks on August 21 are stark reminders that violence in the South American country continues. Unfortunately, rather than focus on present dangers, President Gustavo Petro has chosen to start a verbal fight with Peru, his country’s historical ally.

 

 

Breaking Defense: "As Peru seeks new fighter jets, global firms jockey for position"

 

"As Peru seeks new fighter jets, global firms jockey for position"  

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Breaking defense

15 May, 2025

Published: https://breakingdefense.com/2025/05/as-peru-seeks-new-fighter-jets-global-firms-jockey-for-position/

WASHINGTON — When a high-profile delegation of Peruvian government officials, including the minister of defense, made a visit to their counterparts in Washington, DC, last week, they added another stop to the trip to see a Lockheed Martin facility.

 

NE Global: "Maia Sandu’s slim win: Moldova struggles between Europe and tradition"

 

 

"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.

 

Geopolitical Monitor: "Kyrgyzstan: The Weak Link of the Southern Corridor"

 

"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.

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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.

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Breaking Defense: "With Argentina’s new leader likely comes an ‘austere’ defense budget: Analysts "

 

"With Argentina’s new leader likely comes an ‘austere’ defense budget: Analysts"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Breaking Defense

15 December, 2023

Originally published: https://breakingdefense.com/2023/12/with-argentinas-new-leader-likely-comes-an-austere-defense-budget-analysts/

New President Javier Milei’s top priority is fixing the economy, which could put the brakes on some, but likely not all, planned defense programs, analysts told Breaking Defense.

 WASHINGTON — As Argentina’s new president embarks on an ambitious plan to shore up the South American nation’s economy, analysts say the country’s defense budget is likely to be an early casualty of tightening belts.

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NE Global: Moldova’s Maia Sandu is the ‘Iron Lady’ of Eastern Europe

 

"Moldova’s Maia Sandu is the ‘Iron Lady’ of Eastern Europe"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

NE Global

15 September, 2023

Originally published: https://www.neglobal.eu/moldovas-maia-sandu-is-the-iron-lady-of-eastern-europe/

As the war in Ukraine passes the year-and-a-half milestone, a critical ally for Kyiv and Washington is the tiny nation of the Republic of Moldova, led by President Maia Sandu. Strong leadership is often hard to find during challenging and tense geopolitical moments.

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La Politica: "El doble problema de Kazajistán con Rusia"

"El doble problema de Kazajistán con Rusia"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Editorial

La Política​

11 Agosto, 2023

Originally published: https://www.lapoliticaonline.com/espana/wilder-alejandro-sanchez/doble-problema-rusia-alejandro-wilder

El desafío de los kazajos para mantener la relación estratégica con Moscú, los oligarcas y escaparle a los impactos de la guerra y las sanciones a Rusia.

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E-IR "Energy Security: Moldova’s Quest for New Suppliers"

 

"Energy Security: Moldova’s Quest for New Suppliers"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

e-International Relations

12 December, 2022

Originally published: https://www.e-ir.info/2022/12/12/opinion-energy-security-moldovas-quest-for-new-suppliers/

Moldovan President Maia Sandu has conducted various international visits and hosted leaders from multiple states in recent months. Due to the war in Ukraine and tense relations with Moscow, Chisinau is focused on reducing its dependency on Russian gas while simultaneously securing alternative suppliers. Hence, we are witnessing the creation of Moldova’s new energy security strategy based on energy diplomacy.

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Journal: A roadmap to make Peru a regional power in Latin America

 

 "A roadmap to make Peru a regional power in Latin America"

 "Una hoja de ruta para transformar a Perú en una potencia de Latinoamérica"

 Wilder Alejandro Sánchez

Cuadernos Iberoamericanos

Vol.9, No. 4 (2021

Publicado: https://www.iberpapers.org/jour?locale=en_US

Geopolitical Monitor: Food Security a Concern as Ukraine Crisis Shakes Kazakh Politics

 

"Food Security a Concern as Ukraine Crisis Shakes Kazakh Politics"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

Geopolitical Monitor

28 March, 2022

Originally published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/food-security-a-concern-as-ukraine-crisis-shakes-kazakh-politics/

 “We are talking about the final transition from a super-presidential form of government to a presidential republic with a strong Parliament,” promised Kazakhstani President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during his 16 March State of the Union address. After January’s violent protests, the Kazhastani president pledged to change the political system of his Central Asian nation, by encouraging the formation of opposition parties, cracking down on nepotism, and limiting presidential powers.

In this speech, President Tokayev explained that the country was entering a new chapter of its history, a “new Kazakhstan.” Plans for this “new” country occur at a time of geopolitical turmoil due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine; key concerns for the Central Asian state are the geopolitical consequences of the Ukraine war and the resulting sanctions against Russia, particularly regarding food security.

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The National Interest: Water Politics Will Drive Kazakhstan’s Relations With China

 

"Water Politics Will Drive Kazakhstan’s Relations With China"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

The National Interest

13 January, 2022

Originally published: https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/water-politics-will-drive-kazakhstan%E2%80%99s-relations-china-199473

Kazakhstan and China must reach mutually beneficial agreements on water issues.

The recent unrest in Kazakhstan quickly led to an intervention by the Collective Security Treaty Organization and triggered the appointment of a new prime minister. While events in Kazakhstan will continue to impact regional geopolitics, some issues will remain generally unaffected, though it makes them no less important to the country’s future. One such issue is water, a sensitive topic throughout central Asia that is a major factor in Kazakhstan’s relations with China.

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Geopolitical Monitor: Summit for Democracy Marks Progress in Moldova Reforms

 

"Summit for Democracy Marks Progress in Moldova Reforms"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

6 December, 2021

Geopolitical Monitor

Originally published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/summit-of-democracy-marks-progress-in-moldova-reforms/

US President Joe Biden has invited the leaders of 110 countries across the globe to participate in the two-day Summit for Democracy. Much has been written about the governments that were not invited to this virtual summit, which will take place from 9-10 December, such as the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, and the Republic of Turkey, however there are also several participants worth noting.

For example, regarding the nations that constitute the former Soviet Union: Armenia, the three Baltic nations, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine have been invited. In this brief commentary, we will briefly analyze Chisinau-Washington relations and why this invitation is an important sign of confidence from the White House to the European country’s President Maia Sandu.

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Journal: Brazil’s foreign policy and the eternal quest for Latin American integration

 "Brazil’s foreign policy and the eternal quest for Latin American integration"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Cuadernos Iberoamericanos

Vol. 8, No. 3, 2020

Originally published: https://doi.org/10.46272/2409-3416-2020-8-3-10-23

Abstract

Brazil has historically been regarded as the natural leader of Latin America, given its level of development, the size of its economy, its military might and its ambitious foreign policy. This image was cemented during the presidencies of Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff, who supported Latin American integration (particularly via the creation of such blocs as UNASUR and CELAC) and diminishing Washington’s historical influence in the Western Hemisphere. However, the situation has dramatically changed with the rise to power of President Jair Bolsonaro, a staunch supporter of the US in general (and President Donald Trump in particular), which has affected Brazil’s role in the region. Based upon the analysis of specific domestic and foreign policy components, the author draws conclusions on how Brazil’s prospects as a participant (or even the key motivator) in the transformation processes in the region have changed. Brazil is no longer perceived as the axis of attempts at regional integration, but rather “just another separate state” taking care of its own interests. Brazil’s economic crisis and Bolsonaro’s strategy (or the lack thereof) regarding the COVID-19 pandemic have negatively affected Brazil’s image even further. Then again, as this analysis seeks to demonstrate, Latin America has a mixed record when it comes to integration attempts, as regional governments are zealous guardians of national sovereignty. Hence, while there have been some successful regional thrivings towards promoting cooperation, the rise of some supranationalist organization similar to the European Union – is a dream. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as Latin American (and Caribbean) blocs do not need supranationalism to be effective, but it shows the limits of regional integration initiatives.

Keywords

Brazil, Latin America, Caribbean, South-South cooperation, geopolitics, supranationalism, integration

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For citation:

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Sánchez W.A. Brazil’s foreign policy and the eternal quest for Latin American integration. Cuadernos Iberoamericanos. 2020;8(3):10-23. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.46272/2409-3416-2020-8-3-10-23

 

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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IPD: After the Elections, Here are Kazakhstani President Tokayev’s Priorities

"After the Elections, Here are Kazakhstani President Tokayev’s Priorities

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
International Policy Digest
July 15, 2019
Originally published: https://intpolicydigest.org/2019/07/15/after-the-elections-here-are-kazakhstani-president-tokayev-s-priorities/

In a late June interview, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that “I never forget that I am the president of this country.” The June 9 elections in Kazakhstan, where he obtained 70% of the vote, are now ancient history and the new president of the Central Asian nation is looking forward, and given recent tragic developments, that is where his focus should be.

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Providence:Kazakhstan’s June 9 Elections and the Future of Tolerance and Diversity

"Kazakhstan’s June 9 Elections and the Future of Tolerance and Diversity"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Providence
18 July, 2019 Originally published: https://providencemag.com/2019/07/kazakhstan-june-9-elections-future-tolerance-diversity/

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev won Kazakhstan’s June 9 elections with 70 percent of the vote, while his closest challenger, Amirzhan Kosanov, obtained around 16 percent. With the Central Asian nation’s transition of power now complete, policymakers in the capital Nur-Sultan can focus on improving the lives of 18 million Kazakhstanis. Part of their work is maintaining respect and tolerance toward the country’s minorities and religious diversity.

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