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COMMENTARY & ANALYSIS

The Power Vertical

The Power Vertical is a blog and podcast for Russia wonks and Kremlin watchers by Brian Whitmore. It covers emerging and developing trends in Russian politics, shining a spotlight on the high-stakes power struggles, machinations, and clashing interests that shape Kremlin policy today.

Host and Eurasia Center Senior Fellow Brian Whitmore invites guest experts to deliver their insights and analysis in this weekly podcast. The Atlantic Council and the Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies at the University of Texas at Arlington co-sponsor this production.

The Russia Tomorrow series

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The Eurasia Center’s mission is to enhance transatlantic cooperation in promoting stability, democratic values and prosperity in Eurasia, from Eastern Europe and Turkey in the West to the Caucasus, Russia and Central Asia in the East.

Content

UkraineAlert

Mar 30, 2023

Russia faces long economic decline as isolated Putin turns to China

By Diane Francis

With most avenues for Western partnership indefinitely closed and Russian economic dependency on China growing rapidly, Putin’s talk of “economic sovereignty” is starting to sound very hollow, writes Diane Francis.

China Conflict

In the News

Mar 29, 2023

Khakova quoted in The Washington Times on Russian oil

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

UkraineAlert

Mar 29, 2023

Putin’s plan for a new Russian Empire includes both Ukraine and Belarus

By Taras Kuzio

A leaked document detailing Russia's plans to absorb Belarus highlights the scale of Vladimir Putin's imperial ambitions and provides insights into the true objectives behind the invasion of Ukraine, writes Taras Kuzio.

Belarus Conflict

UkraineAlert

Mar 28, 2023

Russia’s Ukraine invasion is eroding Kremlin influence in Kazakhstan

By Kamila Auyezova

The invasion of Ukraine was meant to advance Vladimir Putin’s vision of a revived Russian Empire. Instead, it is forcing other neighboring countries like Kazakhstan to urgently reassess their own relationships with Moscow.

Central Asia Civil Society

UkraineAlert

Mar 28, 2023

The real definition of victory for Ukraine

By Victor Pinchuk

Genuine Ukrainian independence will only come with the country as a member of the European Union and NATO, writes Victor Pinchuk.

Civil Society Conflict

In the News

Mar 26, 2023

Webster in China-Russia Report: Putin to put tactical nukes in Belarus, with PRC’s apparent approval

Belarus China

In the News

Mar 26, 2023

Hook in the Hill: Wanted: Vladimir Putin, for war crimes against Ukraine’s children – but what now?

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Eastern Europe

Inflection Points

Mar 25, 2023

‘When we are together, we drive these changes.’ What Xi and Putin’s deepening alliance means for the world order.

By Frederick Kempe

At the three-day meeting this week in Moscow, the Russian president’s desperation met the Chinese leader’s opportunism. The visit marks an inflection point for global order.

China Conflict

In the News

Mar 24, 2023

Pavia in DAILY SABAH: Russia’s Wagner Group in Africa: Growing concerns of the West

By Atlantic Council

Africa Middle East
Footage published by RIA Novosti shows Vladmir Putin’s entourage reacting after a woman reportedly yelled “This all is not true! It’s all for a show!” The clip was later edited out by the Kremlin.

New Atlanticist

Mar 24, 2023

Russian War Report: Kremlin edits footage of Mariupol visit to remove women shouting at Putin

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

After Putin was yelled at in Mariupol, the Kremlin cut the exchange from their official video. RIA Novosti published the whole interaction.

Conflict Disinformation

Experts