The National Interest: "Why Azerbaijan and Iran Stepped Away from Confrontation"

 

 

"Why Azerbaijan and Iran Stepped Away from Confrontation"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Silk Road Rivalries

The National Interest

25 April, 2026

Published: https://nationalinterest.org/blog/silk-road-rivalries/why-azerbaijan-and-iran-stepped-away-from-confrontation 

 

The presence of a large Azerbaijani community in Iran may have defused tensions between Baku and Tehran.

Whatever the future of the current war and Iran will be, the country’s neighbors will have to deal with the consequences and aftermath of this new conflict. One country that has a complex relationship with the Islamic Republic is the Republic of Azerbaijan.

When the war commenced, several analyses expressed concern that the conflict would spill over into the Caucasus and affect the already fragile relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. So far, this has not occurred as both Yerevan and Baku want to remain neutral.

The Diplomat: " Setting Realistic Expectations for Kazakhstan’s Regional Ecological Summit "

 

 

"Setting Realistic Expectations for Kazakhstan’s Regional Ecological Summi"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Crossroads Asia

The Diplomat

20 April, 2026

Published: https://thediplomat.com/2026/04/setting-realistic-expectations-for-kazakhstans-regional-ecological-summit/ 

The Regional Ecological Summit could kickstart a wider climate activism campaign in the greater Central Asian region, or it could just be a short-term, pro-green mirage.

Geopolitical Monitor: "Language Geopolitics: New Constitution Looks to Elevate Kazakh Vis-à-vis Russian"

 

"Language Geopolitics: New Constitution Looks to Elevate Kazakh Vis-à-vis Russian"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

Geopolitical Monitor

27 February, 2026

Published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/language-geopolitics-new-constitution-looks-to-elevate-kazakh-vis-a-vis-russian/

 On March 15, the citizens of Kazakhstan will vote in a referendum for a new Constitution. The new document pays significant attention to sovereignty, an important concept across Eurasia (and in Europe too). Moreover, the Constitution will establish the Kazakh language as the country’s dominant language. This is not just a symbolic decision; it will affect the future education of Kazakhstanis, their national identity, and is already affecting relations with the country’s large northern neighbor.

 

Geopolitical Monitor: "Will a Post-Dictatorship Iran Treat Ethnic Azerbaijanis Better?"

 

"Will a Post-Dictatorship Iran Treat Ethnic Azerbaijanis Better?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

Geopolitical Monitor

4 February, 2026

Published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/will-a-post-dictatorship-iran-treat-ethnic-azerbaijanis-better/ 

 The population of Iran continues to take to the streets, demanding liberty, a better life, and dignity. Similarly, the Iranian government continues to resort to repressive and violent counter-measures to crack down on protesters. At the time of writing, the number of deaths number is estimated in the thousands. It is still unclear whether the Iranian government will remain in power – Tehran has survived other major uprisings in recent years – or if a transition will occur.

It is important to keep in mind that Iran has a very diverse population. Persians comprise the majority, but there are many minorities and ethnic groups. Tehran’s repressive activities make no distinction among protesters. This analysis will discuss the ongoing Iran crisis by focusing on the Azerbaijani population of Iran, a critical factor in the ongoing protests.

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.

 

 

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?

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Modern Diplomacy: "Washington, Tehran, and Iran’s “Second Class Citizens”"

 

"Washington, Tehran, and Iran’s “Second Class Citizens”"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Modern Diplomacy

13 March 2025

Published: https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2025/03/13/washington-tehran-and-irans-second-class-citizens/

The Iranian government is well-known for its repressive policies against its population, best exemplified by the state’s violent response to the nationwide protests after the death of Mahsa Amini. While the 2024 election of President Masoud Pezeshkian generated hope for tolerance, Tehran passed last December a new draconian law against women and girls. The situation is worse for the country’s non-Fars ethnic populations like Azerbaijani Turks, Kurds, and Baloch.

The Geopolitics: "Arrested British Brings Spotlight to Iranian Arbitrary Imprisonment and Executions"

 

"Arrested British Brings Spotlight to Iranian Arbitrary Imprisonment and Executions"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

The Geopolitics

3 March, 2025

Published: https://thegeopolitics.com/arrested-british-brings-spotlight-to-iranian-arbitrary-imprisonment-and-executions/

Two British citizens, Craig and Lindsay Foreman, have been detained by Iranian authorities, which accuses them of being spies. Unless released, the couple could spend years in jail and even face the death penalty – Iran executed around 901 individuals in 2024 alone, according to the United Nations.

While the arrest of the two British citizens could cause a diplomatic incident between London and Tehran, it will, hopefully, bring attention to Iran’s very unfair and severely biased “justice” system. Foreigners are regarded with suspicion and distrust by authorities, but the same attitude is applied to the general population, and particularly to non-Fars citizens, such as Azerbaijani Turks & Kurds, or members of religions other than Shia, like the Baháʼí Faith.  One of the forms of pressure applied against thousands of political prisoners arrested and currently in detention centers and prisons is  access to basic human rights necessities like adequate medical care or the possibility to contact family members.

The Diplomatic Courier: "Understanding Iran’s oppressive policies against Azerbaijani Turks"

 

 

"Understanding Iran’s oppressive policies against Azerbaijani Turks"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

The Diplomatic Courier

5 February, 2025

Published: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/posts/irans-oppressive-policies-against-azerbaijani-turks

Azerbaijani Turks in Iran endure discrimination and cultural oppression. Changes in Tehran have not improved the situation, and the future looks grim, writes Wilder Alejandro Sánchez.

 

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.

 

Interview: "The government should have a strategy to protect natural resources and the environment - expert"

 

"The government should have a strategy to protect natural resources and the environment - expert"

 "Правительство должно иметь стратегию по защите природных ресурсов и окружающей среды - экспер"

 Author: Рустем Кожыбаев 

 KazInform

5 September, 2023

Originally published: https://www.inform.kz/ru/pravitel-stvo-dolzhno-imet-strategiyu-po-zaschite-prirodnyh-resursov-i-okruzhayuschey-sredy-ekspert_a4108308 

ВАШИНГТОН. КАЗИНФОРМ – За Посланием Главы Казахстана Касым-Жомарта Токаева внимательно наблюдали американские экспертные круги, которые дали положительную оценку новым инициативам, передает собственный корреспондент МИА «Казинформ».

Президент консалтинговой фирмы «Second Floor Strategies» (г. Вашингтон, округ Колумбия), аналитик по вопросам геополитики Уайлдер Алехандро Санчес (Wilder Alejandro Sanchez) отметил, что решение властей Казахстана о создании Министерства водных ресурсов и ирригации является хорошей идеей, которое должно было быть принято много лет назад.

Эксперт сообщил, что последствия изменения климата становятся все более очевидными и разрушительными, а Правительство должно иметь стратегию по защите своих природных ресурсов и окружающей среды.

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E-International Relations: "Environmental Loss and Repression in Iran"

 

 

"Environmental Loss and Repression in Iran"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

E-International Relations

15 August, 2023

Originally published: https://www.e-ir.info/2023/08/15/opinion-environmental-loss-and-repression-in-iran/

Iran’s environmental problems have been well-documented: pollution, unhealthy air quality across major urban areas, the drying up of lakes, and deforestation. An important aspect to remember is that several of these environmental problems affect the country’s Azerbaijani population, which has been historically harassed and oppressed by Tehran. Environmental challenges in Northern Iran add extra woes and suffering to an ill-treated community.

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E-International Relations: "Understanding and Approaching Moldova’s Pro-Moscow Gagauzia Region"

 

"Understanding and Approaching Moldova’s Pro-Moscow Gagauzia Region"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez and Lucia Scripcari

E-International Relations

5 August, 2023

Published: https://www.e-ir.info/2023/08/05/understanding-and-approaching-moldovas-pro-moscow-gagauzia-region/

The war in Ukraine brought global attention to countries with Moscow-friendly governments, including separatist regions like Transnistria in the Republic of Moldova. Leaving aside Transnistria, another Moscow-friendly region within Moldova is Gagauzia, which recently had gubernatorial elections: the new Governor (locally known as Başkan) is the pro-Moscow Evghenia Guțul from the now-banned Șor Party. Besides the fighting on the physical battlefield, there is also a parallel global war of information and disinformation to gain popular support. As a predominantly Russian-speaking population, the Gagauzians are firmly under Moscow’s influence, in contrast with Chisinau, which supports Kyiv.

 

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Geopolitical Monitor: Colombia’s Nickel Reserves: A Blessing and Curse

 

"Colombia’s Nickel Reserves: A Blessing and Curse"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Situation Report

Geopolitical Monitor

19 July, 2023

Originally published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/colombias-nickel-reserves-a-blessing-and-curse/

The Colombian government is eager to expand and diversify the country’s mining industry by exploiting critical minerals, including nickel, which is currently solely mined in Cerro Matoso. As global demand for this critical mineral reminds high, nickel can be very profitable for Colombia’s mining industry and economy; however, we cannot overlook issues related to nickel mining, including environmental destruction and health problems for workers and local inhabitants. Even violence has become commonplace around Cerro Matoso.

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E-International Relations: Moldova’s Sandu Seeks Support for a Pro-EU Path

 

"Moldova’s Sandu Seeks Support for a Pro-EU Path"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

E-International Relations

18 April, 2023

Originally published: https://www.e-ir.info/2023/04/18/opinion-moldovas-sandu-seeks-support-for-a-pro-eu-path/

President Maia Sandu of the Republic of Moldova has asked her citizens to come out on 21 May to show Brussels, Moscow, and the world that the country has a pro-Europe orientation. In addition, the upcoming “European Moldova National Assembly” rally will signal that the Moldovan government and population remain committed to the country’s European Union (EU) membership application. “I call upon everyone — farmers, teachers, students, NGOs, entrepreneurs, doctors, cultural figures, private sector employees, public officials — to come together and support our common dream,” said the Moldovan head of state on 10 April. “Let’s demonstrate that we desire peace. We want the European Union to be at home with us,” she added. “Three small pro-European political parties said they would take part,” announced Balkan Insight. The rally will reportedly take place in Chisinau’s central square.

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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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The National Interest: The War in Ukraine Has Revealed an Independent Kazakhstan

 

"The War in Ukraine Has Revealed an Independent Kazakhstan"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

The Buzz

The National Interest

09 October, 2022

Originally published: https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/war-ukraine-has-revealed-independent-kazakhstan-205253

Astana is undergoing a diplomatic and political shift amid the Russo-Ukrainian War, and observers should keep a close eye on its balancing act.

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