The National Interest: "Why Donald Trump Should Visit Central Asia in 2026"

 

"Why Donald Trump Should Visit Central Asia in 2026"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

The National Interest

30 January, 2026

Published: https://nationalinterest.org/blog/silk-road-rivalries/why-donald-trump-should-visit-central-asia-in-2026

 

While the White House has paid more attention to Central Asia than past administrations, it is unclear where the region fits on the US priority list. 

Central Asia, due to its vast energy and mineral resources, is of critical importance to China, Europe, Russia, and the United States. While geographically distant, the US government has made important strides in recent years to increase its engagement with Central Asia, including a high-profile 5+1 presidential meeting in Washington in late 2025. It would not just be symbolic, but also very important, if President Donald Trump visited a Central Asian country like Kazakhstan this year, one of the two Central Asian countries that joined Trump’s Board of Peace at the recent Davos conference.

 

 

International Policy Digest: "Kazakhstan 2.0: Tokayev’s High-Speed Bid to Digitize a Petrostate"

 

 

"Kazakhstan 2.0: Tokayev’s High-Speed Bid to Digitize a Petrostate"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

International Policy Digest

7 October 

Published: https://intpolicydigest.org/kazakhstan-2-0-tokayev-s-high-speed-bid-to-digitize-a-petrostate/ 

The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly is over, and the familiar churn of speeches will fuel analysts for weeks. But Astana isn’t waiting on New York.

In his State of the Nation address, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev set out a domestic agenda for the second half of the decade—an attempt to steer Kazakhstan through a volatile era by marrying digital transformation with targeted investment and institutional reform. “The world has entered a new historical era,” he warned, one that will test governments that fail to adapt.

 

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.

 

 

NE Global "Moldova: Engaging neighbors, not just Global powers"

 

 

"Moldova: Engaging neighbors, not just Global powers"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

NE Global 

9 July 2025

Published: https://www.neglobal.eu/moldova-engaging-neighbors-not-just-global-powers/

Moldova is not solely laser-focused on joining the EU but also engaging its regional European neighbors and lesser-known blocs.

In this era of Great Power competition, or Cold War 2.0, there are a plethora of analyses and commentaries about evolving geopolitical affairs, including relations between the so-called small countries with the Great Powers (the U.S., China, and Russia), the European Union, Japan, and medium and rising powers (Brazil, Kazakhstan, India or Turkey). However, an often-overlooked topic is how countries with a more limited global footprint interact with their peers.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Golos Ameriki: " Эксперты в США: «Венесуэла – это в реальности новая Куба»" / "Venezuela in reality is the new Cuba"

 

"Эксперты в США: «Венесуэла – это в реальности новая Куба»" / "Venezuela in reality is the new Cuba"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Golos Ameriki / Voice of America (Russian language service)

31 July 2024

Originally published: https://www.golosameriki.com/a/us-experts-venezuela-elections/7719450.html

«Термин “мадуризмо” – это не только сам Николас Мадуро. Это и круг его сторонников: членов Национальной ассамблеи, министров, руководителей государственной нефтяной компании и военачальников Вооруженных сил, начиная с министра обороны Владимира Лопеса. Их материальное благополучие, их власть, от которых они не откажутся, зависят от присутствия Мадуро на президентском посту, – пояснил в интервью Русской службе «Голоса Америки» Вильдер Алехандро Санчес, глава компании Second Floor Strategies, политолог вашингтонского Центра стратегических и международных исследований (Wilder Alejandro Sanchez, CSIS).

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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.

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"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".

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NE Global: Moldova’s 2024 elections: Why it matters

 

"Moldova’s 2024 elections: Why it matters"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

NE Global

24 February, 2024

Originally published: https://www.neglobal.eu/moldovas-2024-elections-why-it-matters/

President Sandu has announced her intention to hold a referendum this autumn about Moldova’s EU membership

 

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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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Interview: Journey to the West: why Tokayev flies to the USA

 

"Journey to the West: why Tokayev flies to the USA"

" Путешествие на Запад: зачем Токаев летит в США"

By: Rustem Kozhybaev

[In Russian]

KazInform

14 September 2023

Originally published: https://www.inform.kz/ru/puteshestvie-na-zapad-zachem-tokaev-letit-v-ssha_a4111647

ВАШИНГТОН. КАЗИНФОРМ – Повестка визита казахстанской делегации в Нью-Йорк для участия в Генеральной Ассамблеи ООН обещает быть плодотворной и разнообразной. О тематике двустороннего сотрудничества, аспектах взаимодействия, представляющих взаимный интерес, рассказали американские эксперты в интервью собственному корреспонденту МИА «Казинформ».

Президент консалтинговой фирмы «Second Floor Strategies», аналитик по вопросам геополитики Уайлдер Санчес отмечает, что важной темой встреч двух делегаций станут торговые и инвестиционные вопросы. У. Санчес отметил, что июньский визит Американо-Казахстанского делового совета Торговой палаты США был первым в своем роде, что является большим достижением для Казахстана и США.

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Geopolitical Monitor: "Kazakhstan Aims to Protect the Blue while Going Green"

 

"Kazakhstan Aims to Protect the Blue while Going Green"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Situation Report

Geopolitical Monitor

14 September 2023

Originally published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/kazakhstan-aims-to-protect-the-blue-while-going-green/

Kazakhstani President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev gave a speech on 1 September focusing on economic issues and domestic development. Some key energy and environmental issues were discussed that are particularly noteworthy, given the globe’s climate and environmental challenges: Astana will focus more heavily on protecting the country’s water resources, which has an unavoidable foreign policy component. Moreover, the Kazakhstani government aims to turn to green energy and is similarly considering nuclear power.

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IPS: " An unexpected match "

 

"An unexpected match"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

International Politics and Society

30 August, 2023

Originally published: https://www.ips-journal.eu/topics/foreign-and-security-policy/an-unexpected-match-6953/

Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia have many interests and policy objectives in common. But is it enough to create a strong and lasting partnership?

 Last month, Kazakhstani President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev participated in the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-Central Asia (CA) summit held in Saudi Arabia. In particular, Astana was interested in improving its cooperation and trade with Riyadh, hoping to somewhat reduce its dependency on neighbours like China and Russia – while Saudi Arabia wants to expand its influence and presence in Central Asia. In this context, it is helpful that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s (MBS) vision of increasing his country’s global presence coincides with Kazakhstan’s famous multi-vector foreign policy of establishing global partnerships. Whether more trade, investment and common foreign policy objectives can help bilateral relations evolve into an Astana-Riyadh alliance is an intriguing question.

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International Policy Digest: What Did Iran’s Raisi Accomplish with his Latin American Tour?

"What Did Iran’s Raisi Accomplish with his Latin American Tour?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

International Policy Digest

23 June, 2023

Originally published: https://intpolicydigest.org/what-did-iran-s-raisi-accomplish-with-his-latin-american-tour/

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi embarked on a Latin American tour in mid-June, visiting Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. During his visit, he held meetings with Presidents Miguel Díaz-Canel, Daniel Ortega, and Nicolás Maduro, respectively. The tour lasted five days and resulted in several agreements, although none were groundbreaking. However, considering the well-known tensions between Washington and these four governments, Washington viewed the visit with some concern. It is worth noting that this visit followed a controversial port call by two Iranian warships to Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro a few months prior.

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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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Geopolitical Monitor: Moldova: Foreign Successes, Domestic Challenges

 

"Moldova: Foreign Successes, Domestic Challenges"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

Geopolitical Monitor

19 October 2022

Originally published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/moldova-foreign-successes-domestic-challenges/

Since the war in Ukraine commenced, the Republic of Moldova has received significant international attention and praise. President Maia Sandu can boast several victories, including obtaining the highly-covered candidate status from the European Union. Unfortunately, domestically the situation remains complicated and could affect the future of the country’s pro-European and pro-Ukraine policies. The Ukraine-bound Russian missiles that recently crossed Moldovan airspace demonstrate that Moldova’s role is crucial to the war.

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National Interest: Can Blinken Reset Washington’s Relationship With the DRC?

 

"Can Blinken Reset Washington’s Relationship With the DRC?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

The Buzz

National Interest

4 August 2022

Originally published: https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/can-blinken-reset-washington%E2%80%99s-relationship-drc-203977

Washington must develop a blueprint for a more comprehensive presence in the region, apart from defense relations or humanitarian assistance.

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken will take a five-nation tour across Africa and Asia from August 2-11. The senior official’s visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) occurs at a critical time as the country experiences a new wave of internal violence and inter-state tensions while seeking to improve its investment climate.

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