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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

In the News

Feb 6, 2025

Soofer quoted in Matthew Kroenig’s Foreign Policy article arguing for an ‘Iron Dome’

By Atlantic Council

On February 5, Forward Defense senior fellow Robert Soofer was quoted in a Foreign Policy article by Matthew Kroenig, Vice President and Senior Director of the Scowcroft Center. The argument piece was titled, “The United States Needs an Iron Dome.” Kroenig quotes Soofer’s recent report, “‘First, we will defend the homeland’: The case for homeland […]

China Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

Feb 6, 2025

Nuclear power is ‘making a comeback’ around the world, says IEA executive director Fatih Birol

By Daniel Hojnacki

Birol discussed the recent resurgence in nuclear energy and the challenges hindering the nuclear industries in the United States and Europe.

China European Union

UkraineAlert

Feb 6, 2025

Russian foreign minister compares Trump’s ‘America First’ to Nazi propaganda

By Peter Dickinson

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has compared US President Donald Trump's "America First" concept to Nazi propaganda as the Kremlin continues its long tradition of exploiting the trauma of World War II to demonize opponents, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Disinformation

New Atlanticist

Feb 5, 2025

Baltic states unplug from Russia’s power grid—but Moscow still looms over critical infrastructure

By Justina Budginaite-Froehly

Breaking from the Russian system, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are about to synchronize their electricity systems with the Continental Europe Network.

Energy Markets & Governance Europe & Eurasia

UkraineAlert

Feb 4, 2025

Russia’s war against the West will continue until Putin tastes defeat

By Andriy Zagorodnyuk

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is part of a far larger war against the West. If he succeeds in Ukraine, Putin aims to destroy the existing rules-based world order and usher in a new era dominated by a handful of great powers, writes Andriy Zagorodnyuk.

Conflict Economic Sanctions

In the News

Feb 3, 2025

Soofer quoted in Washington Post article on Trump’s ‘Iron Dome’

By Atlantic Council

On January 30, Forward Defense senior fellow Robert Soofer was quoted in a Washington Post article titled, “Could Trump’s Iron Dome work? Only if Canada attacks Detroit.” The article quotes Soofer’s recent report, “‘First, we will defend the homeland’: The case for homeland missile defense” on how refocusing missile defenses will “enhance US nuclear survivability.”

China Defense Policy

UkraineAlert

Jan 30, 2025

Ukrainian Holocaust survivor: Russia is waging ‘war of extermination’

By Peter Dickinson

Ukrainian Holocaust survivor Roman Schwarzman has implored Germany to increase support for Ukraine in the fight against Russia’s “war of extermination,” writes Peter Dickinson.

Civil Society Conflict

New Atlanticist

Jan 30, 2025

Trump’s out-of-the-box approach is perfect to help demilitarize Kaliningrad

By Agnia Grigas

Trump’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine should also consider European security in the war’s aftermath—and this should include removing the threat that Russia’s control over Kaliningrad poses to the continent.

Europe & Eurasia Missile Defense

UkraineAlert

Jan 29, 2025

The West must study the success of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces

By Doug Livermore

The success of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces in the war against Russia can provide a range of valuable lessons for Kyiv's Western partners that will shape military doctrines for years to come, writes Doug Livermore.

Artificial Intelligence Conflict

UkraineAlert

Jan 29, 2025

Can increased energy sector sanctions pressure Putin into peace talks?

By Aura Sabadus

US President Donald Trump has warned Russia that he will impose economic measures including taxes, tariffs, and sanctions unless Russian President Vladimir Putin agrees to end the war in Ukraine, writes Aura Sabadus.

Conflict Economic Sanctions

Experts