Geopolitics: February 2023

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Geopolitical Monitor: "Does Uzbekistan Need a Nuclear Power Plant?"

"Does Uzbekistan Need a Nuclear Power Plant?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

Geopolitical Monitor

22 February, 2023

Originally published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/does-uzbekistan-need-a-nuclear-power-plant/

Uzbekistan does not possess nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons and is a member of the Central Asia Nuclear Weapons Free-Zone Treaty. That is the good news. However, the disturbing news is a 2018 agreement with Russia’s state atomic energy corporation Rosatom to build a nuclear power plant in Uzbekistani territory. While Tashkent needs additional power sources, the nuclear plant is a source of concern given the devastating consequences of potential accidents and the impression the global community will have about Moscow-Tashkent relations if this project proceeds.

Friday, February 17, 2023

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.

Sunday, February 12, 2023

E-International Relations: "Moldova and Romania’s Unification is Not on the Horizon"

"Moldova and Romania’s Unification is Not on the Horizon"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

E-International Relations

12 February, 2023

Originally published: https://www.e-ir.info/2023/02/12/opinion-moldova-and-romanias-unification-is-not-on-the-horizon/

Since the War in Ukraine commenced, a critical ally of the Republic of Moldova has been neighboring Romania. This partnership is not solely based on a shared border but on a shared language, culture, and history. Unification is a topic that is not often discussed in international relations nowadays, as there is a greater tendency for countries to break apart than to unite. However, more than a century after the 1918 merging of Moldova and Romania unification sentiments in both countries still exist. While a reunification between Chisinau and Bucharest is unlikely, these pro-unification sentiments should be discussed as they continue to influence bilateral relations.

Friday, February 10, 2023

Geopolitical Monitor "Defending the Dutch Caribbean: An Assessment"

"Defending the Dutch Caribbean: An Assessment"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

Geopolitical Monitor

10 February 2023

Originally published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/defending-the-dutch-caribbean-an-assessment/

King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and their eldest daughter, Princess Catharina-Amalia, of the Netherlands, took a tour of the six islands across the Dutch Caribbean between 27 January and 9 February. Their voyage to the Western Hemisphere took them to Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Marteen, which together constitute the Dutch Caribbean, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The visit had a significant component: the royal family was transported from Aruba to Curacao aboard the Holland-class offshore patrol vessel HNLMS Holland (P-84), the current station ship assigned to the Dutch Caribbean, and also aboard a FRISC interceptor craft. These two voyages bring attention to an essential component of the Dutch military, which is not commonly known except to defense analysts: the Dutch Caribbean defense force.

Thursday, February 9, 2023

Shephard Media: Argentinian air power modernisation makes modest progress

"Argentinian air power modernisation makes modest progress"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Air Warfare

Shephard Media

8 February, 2023

Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/argentinian-air-power-modernisation-makes-modest-progress/

The Argentinian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Argentina/FAA) is acquiring new Bell helicopters and is upgrading its combat and transport fixed-wing aircraft fleets.

Friday, February 3, 2023

Shephard Media: Metal Shark makes programme progress for Caribbean navies

"Metal Shark makes programme progress for Caribbean navies"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Naval Warfare

Shephard Media

3 February, 2023

Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/naval-warfare/metal-shark-makes-programme-progress-for-caribbean-navies/

US shipbuilder Metal Shark has delivered a new patrol vessel to Costa Rica and achieved a major milestone on a project for Guyana.

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Shephard Media: "Peru bets on local industry to supply naval needs"

"Peru bets on local industry to supply naval needs"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Naval Warfare

Shephard Media

1 February 2023

Originally published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/naval-warfare/peru-bets-on-local-industry-to-supply-naval-needs/

Peru is backing domestic shipyard SIPA to build new vessels across multiple classes, but may yet need foreign design and construction expertise for programme success.