Modern Diplomacy: "The Russia-China-North Korea defense partnership"

  

"The Russia-China-North Korea defense partnership"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Modern Diplomacy

28 August, 2026

Published: https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2026/08/28/the-russia-china-north-korea-defense-partnership/

 Understanding global geopolitics is complicated and challenging, especially today. Governments have complex relationships with each other at both the bilateral and multilateral levels. This situation certainly applies to the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea). These countries have strong bilateral relations, but trilateral cooperation (or lack thereof) also needs to be considered. Given the war in Ukraine and tensions across the Asia-Pacific, defense relations between these three nations must be understood in this evolving landscape.

 

The Diplomat: " ‘Golden Kamuy’ and Modern Russo-Japanese Relations "

 

 

"‘Golden Kamuy’ and Modern Russo-Japanese Relation"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez and Marin Ekstrom

 Tokyo Report

The Diplomat

11 August, 2026

Published: https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/golden-kamuy-and-modern-russo-japanese-relations/ 

 

The manga-turned-anime serves as an important pop cultural piece in understanding Japan’s place in the world, most specifically its historic role with Russia and their Northeast Asian borderlands.  

 

Geopolitcal Monitor: "Istanbul 2.0? Kazakhstan Steps into the Ukraine War Diplomatic Arena"

 

 

"Istanbul 2.0? Kazakhstan Steps into the Ukraine War Diplomatic Arena"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Geopolitical Monitor

Opinion

7 August, 2026

Published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/istanbul-2-0-kazakhstan-steps-into-the-ukraine-war-diplomatic-arena/ 

 

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has no end in sight, as military operations by both sides continue deep in enemy territory. The war may have become a new textbook definition of intractable conflict. Since first breaking out in February 2022, several diplomatic attempts have been rolled out to bring a peaceful resolution, without success.

Now Kazakhstan is throwing its proverbial hat into the ring.

E-International Relations: "Opinion – Moldova: Between Ambitious Plans and Present-Day Challenges"

 

 

 

"Moldova: Between Ambitious Plans and Present-Day Challenges"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

E-International Relations

8 May 2026

Published: https://www.e-ir.info/2026/05/08/opinion-moldova-between-ambitious-plans-and-present-day-challenges/ 

 Resolving the Republic of Moldova’s separatist issue and joining the European Union are the primary objectives of President Maia Sandu and her administration. Yet, the war between Russia and Ukraine is a constant reminder for Chisinau that there are serious, ever-present day threats to the country’s stability. Russian drones, water pollution, and energy security are daily threats and concerns for the Moldovan population and government; these challenges could also delay Moldova’s preparations for European Union membership. While Moldova has not become a target of the hostilities, incidents continue to occur. Specifically, suspected Russian uncrewed aerial systems (UAS, commonly known as drones) and missiles have been detected flying through Moldovan airspace, while some drones have crashed on Moldovan territory – a reminder that the frontlines of the war are not far away.

Quoted in azattyqasia " «Мы теряем крупнейший внутренний водоём в мире». Что происходит с Каспием и можно ли остановить обмеление?" / ""We Are Losing the World's Largest Inland Body of Water." What Is Happening to the Caspian—and Can Its Shrinking Be Stopped?"

 

 "«Мы теряем крупнейший внутренний водоём в мире». Что происходит с Каспием и можно ли остановить обмеление?/  ""We Are Losing the World's Largest Inland Body of Water." What Is Happening to the Caspian—and Can Its Shrinking Be Stopped?"

 By Khadisha Akayeva

 For Azattyq Asia

21April, 2026

Published: https://www.azattyqasia.org/a/my-teryaem-krupneyshiy-vnutrenniy-vodoyom-v-mire-chto-proishodit-s-kaspiem-i-mozhno-li-ostanovit-obmelenie/33736363.html 

 

Уайлдер Алехандро Санчес, президент консалтинговой компании Second Floor Strategies в Вашингтоне, рассказывает, что 15 апреля присутствовал на закрытом круглом столе Atlantic Council в Вашингтоне, куда была приглашена высокопоставленная казахстанская правительственная делегация. По его словам, несколько участников делегации подтвердили участие в саммите лидеров пяти стран Центральной Азии, руководства Монголии и Армении, а также премьер-министра Азербайджана. 

 

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez, President of the Washington-based consulting firm Second Floor Strategies, reports that on April 15, he attended a closed-door roundtable hosted by the Atlantic Council in Washington, to which a high-ranking Kazakhstani government delegation had been invited. According to him, several members of the delegation confirmed the participation of the leaders of the five Central Asian nations, the leadership of Mongolia and Armenia, as well as the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, in the summit.

 

 

 

Global Encyclodia of Territorial Rights: "Moldova / #Transnistria “ #FrozenConflict” and Russia's Invasion of Ukraine "

"Moldova/Transnistria “Frozen Conflict” and Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Global Encyclopedia of Territorial Rights

(Springer Nature) 

 14 April, 2026

Published: https://link.springer.com/rwe/10.1007/978-3-319-68846-6_868-1

▶️ While initiatives to resolve the “frozen conflict” have not been successful, developments across the region have put this conflict at the forefront of European geopolitics.

▶️ Specifically, the February 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine has made Moldova and separatist Transnistria (which borders Ukraine) the recipients of a new wave of international attention.

▶️ Ultimately, the relationship between Chisinau and Tiraspol has not changed, or at least improved, since the war commenced, though the 2025 gas crisis has changed the power-dynamics between the two sides, on Chisinau’s favor.

▶️ Communication between the two sides of the Dniester River continues, but it is unlikely that any breakthrough in negotiations will occur at this time.

Quoted in: "Beyond a ‘buffer zone’: how the Iran war is recalibrating Central Asian ties"

 

 

"Beyond a ‘buffer zone’: how the Iran war is recalibrating Central Asian ties"

By: Cao Jiaxuan

South China Morning Post 

15 March, 2026 

Published: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3346611/beyond-buffer-zone-how-iran-war-recalibrating-central-asian-ties

The former Soviet republics are leveraging diplomatic fallout from conflict to assert autonomy and balance major powers, observers say

 

DW: "Редкоземельные металлы: что Центральная Азия предлагает США?" / "Rare Earth Metals: What Does Central Asia Offer the US?"

 

 "Редкоземельные металлы: что Центральная Азия предлагает США?"

 By: Екатерина Хван / Ekaterina Khvan

DW

10 February, 2026 

Published: https://www.dw.com/ru/redkozemelnye-metally-v-centralnoj-azii-cto-predlagaut-ssa/a-75895880 

США проявляют интерес к критически важным ресурсам в Центральной Азии. Эксперты считают, что для стран региона это шанс на инвестиции и технологическое развитие, но одновременно растут и геополитические риски.

 Стратегический интерес США и перспективы сотрудничества

С тем, что стратегический интерес США в регионе связан, в первую очередь, с Китаем, согласен и Уайлдер Алехандро Санчес (Wilder Alejandro Sánchez), президент Second Floor Strategies, консалтинговой компании в Вашингтоне, округ Колумбия, соавтор отчета "Использование редкоземельных элементов Центральной Азии для экономического роста". "Администрация Трампа по-прежнему рассматривает Китай и его промышленность как конкурента или угрозу, и руководство обеих партий стремится сломать глобальную монополию Китая на критические минералы и редкоземельные элементы", - объясняет он.

Санчес напоминает, что на встрече в Вашингтоне присутствовали, в том числе, Казахстан и Узбекистан. Последний подписал меморандум о взаимопонимании по критически важным минералам и редкоземельным элементам. Астана и Вашингтон подписали аналогичный меморандум еще в ноябре 2025 года. Эти инициативы открывают возможности для более тесного сотрудничества США со странами региона.

Тем не менее, по мнению Санчеса, перспективы взаимодействия США с регионом остаются довольно сложными: лидерами процесса будут Казахстан и Узбекистан. При этом он сомневается в заинтересованности Кыргызстана и Таджикистана, хотя не исключает, что Душанбе может стремиться к большему объему инвестиций. Туркменистан, как предполагает эксперт, будет действовать более осторожно.

 

GWU: "Water Security and Transboundary Cooperation in Central Asia"

 

 "Water Security and Transboundary Cooperation in Central Asia"

Tuesday, December 9th, 2025

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (EST)

Event link: https://gwu-edu.zoom.us/j/95608929040

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIBX-x6uyrlcSRgq846lpddY07aIwCFiAxDzExPbcqPhiACw/viewform 

This seminar will examine the complex dynamics of managing shared water resources in the region, including challenges of transboundary governance and cooperation asymmetries among riparian states. The discussion will also explore opportunities for technological innovation and knowledge transfer to enhance water efficiency, resilience, and equitable access. By bringing together experts and practitioners, this seminar aims to shed light on how regional and international collaboration can contribute to sustainable water management and long-term environmental stability in Central Asia.

This seminar is part of a joint series by the Central Asia Program (CAP) and the Asian Economy Center of Civitas University (Warsaw) on environmental and sustainable development challenges in Central Asia. The series promotes dialogue and innovative policy thinking on how the region can advance sustainability amid complex geopolitical and economic transformations.

Moderator:

Katarzyna Skiert-Andrzejuk, Civitas University (Poland)

Speakers:

Wilder Alejandro Sánchez, Second Floor Strategies

The Caspian Sea at the Regional Ecological Summit 2026

 

 

Iskandar Abdullaev, International Water Management Institute (Uzbekistan)

Water in Central Asia: 30 Years of Transformations

Jenniver Sehring, Institute for Water Education (The Netherlands)

Transboundary water governance in Central Asia: old patterns and new dynamics

Rassima Salimbayeva, Narxoz University (Kazakhstan)

Environmental Governance and Water Management Between Kazakhstan and China

 

Timothy Randhir, University of Massachusetts Amherst (USA)

Multi-Scale Water Governance for Sustainability in Central Asia

 

 

Modern Diplomacy: "The Moldovan Military: Modernization, Education and Peacekeeping"

 

 

"The Moldovan Military: Modernization, Education and Peacekeeping"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Defense

Mondern Diplomacy

20 February 2025

Published: https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2025/02/20/the-moldovan-military-modernization-education-and-peacekeeping/

Despite its limited budget, the Moldovan military is undergoing a modernization process by focusing on acquiring critical platforms & systems and increasing the troops’ professionalism.

The Diplomat: " Can the US Be a Weapons Supplier to Central Asia?"

 

"Can the US Be a Weapons Supplier to Central Asia?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Crossroads Asia

The Diplomat

29 November 2024

Originally published: https://thediplomat.com/2024/11/can-the-us-be-a-weapons-supplier-to-central-asia/

The United States’ footprint in the Central Asian arms market is minimal, but the State Department believes this situation could change in the future.

 

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.

 

The Diplomat: " Navigating Next-Gen Air Power in the Indo-Pacific"

 

"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.

Continue reading... 

World Politics Review: "The U.S. Air Force’s Next-Generation Fighter Is Facing Headwinds"

 

"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.

Continue reading... 

Stars and Stripes: "US Air Force’s NGAD warplane program may crash, and that’s bad"

 

"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.

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.

Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/opinion/2024-07-01/air-force-ngad-warplane-program-14357694.html
Source - Stars and Stripes

Continue reading...

Радио Азаттык /Radio Azattyk: "Will Astana find an alternative to the oil pipeline, which Moscow has turned into an “instrument of pressure”?"

 

"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?

See: https://rus.azattyq.org/a/naydet-li-astana-alternativu-truboprovodu-kotoryy-stal-instrumentom-davleniya-moskvy-/32997829.html

 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.

See: https://www.azattyq.org/a/kazakhstan-caspian-pipeline-and-alternative-routes-for-oil-transportation-to-europe/33000345.html

 

Diplomatic Courier: "Moldova’s EU ambitions rest on Sandu’s shoulders"

 

"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.

Continue reading... 

Breaking Defense: "Russian warships visit Cuba, sending a message to Washington: Analysts"

 

"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/

As fighting continues in Ukraine, experts told Breaking Defense there’s no danger of a Cuban Missile Crisis 2.0, but Russia still wants to project global reach.

Continue reading... 

The Interpreter: "The message Japan sends by backing Ukraine"

 

"The message Japan sends by backing Ukraine"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez and Marin Ekstrom

The Interpreter

Lowy Institute

25 March 2024

Originally published: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/message-japan-sends-backing-ukraine 

An evolving foreign and defence policy is on display.

Since the Russian invasion in 2022, Japan has emerged as a steadfast supporter of Ukraine. The notoriously immigration-resistant Japan has so far accepted 2,500 Ukrainian refugees. In recognition that Ukraine will face a daunting reconstruction process, Japanese and Ukrainian government and business officials gathered for the “Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction” in February this year. As part of the gathering, 56 cooperation agreements were signed to develop infrastructure, target critical economic sectors for growth, and expand overall trade.

Continue reading...

 

"Moldova battles for soul of pro-Russian Gagauzia"

By: Octavian Coman with Anne Beade

13 March 2024

Agence France Presse

Originally published: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/moldova-battles-soul-pro-russian-071116811.html

- Uphill battle -

Moldova's President Maia Sandu "is making real efforts to improve relations with Gagauzia, to win the hearts and minds of its people", according Wilder Alejandro Sanchez, a Moldovan expert at the Washington-based Second Floor Strategies.

Besides the language classes, the government is also upping investment in the region, including a new road to connect Chisinau with southern Moldova, including Gagauzia.

But he told AFP it would "take years and years, maybe decades, to change the beliefs of the population" and convince them that "efforts to join the EU will not destroy their identity".

Continue reading...