issue spotlight

Stay updated

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

recent events

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 10, 2022

Wieslander interviewed by BBC Radio on “Finlandization” of Ukraine

By Anna Wieslander

BBC: What does Finlandization refer to? Wieslander: It refers to the status of Finland during the Cold War when they had to enter a friendship cooperation and mutual assistance pact with the Soviet Union in 1948 and how they managed their relationship with the Soviets after that. Basically, limiting their sovereignty and space of maneuver […]

Europe & Eurasia NATO

New Atlanticist

Feb 9, 2022

Russia Crisis Military Assessment: What would a ground offensive against Ukraine look like? Watch the skies.

By Atlantic Council military fellows

Our military experts analyze the greatest defense and security challenges facing the United States and its allies and partners.

Belarus Conflict

New Atlanticist

Feb 9, 2022

Why NATO will endure well beyond today’s crises

By Ana Palacio

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his efforts to destroy the liberal international order, has shaken the foundations of NATO. But this is a time for reinvigoration.

Crisis Management Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Feb 9, 2022

Ashford at the Marine Corps University: Rapid wargaming for crises

By Atlantic Council

On February 9, Emma Ashford joined a panel of specialists at the Marine Corps University to discuss prototype wargaming for the Ukraine crisis. “How does wargaming help when the problem is a rapidly unfolding crisis in a fluid environment, such as the Russian build-up near Ukraine, when an off-the-shelf option, or deliberately designed wargame, isn’t […]

Eastern Europe English

In the News

Feb 9, 2022

Ashford in the New York Times: A once firm antiwar alliance splinters over Ukraine

By Atlantic Council

On February 9, Emma Ashford was quoted in the New York Times on the domestic politics of the Russia-Ukraine crisis. “‘This is definitely not a left-right thing,’ said Emma Ashford, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and co-author of an article expressing opposition to American support of Ukraine, arguing that the United States is stretched too […]

Crisis Management Eastern Europe

In the News

Feb 9, 2022

Wieslander on “Finlandization” of Ukraine in New York Times

By Anna Wieslander

“‘Finlandization’ would appear to rule out [the possibility of NATO membership for Ukraine] and allow Moscow a heavy hand in Ukrainian affairs — concessions Kyiv and NATO have rejected as unacceptable, ” wrote the New York Times. “All of this goes against what Ukraine has been striving for,” said Anna Wieslander, director for Northern Europe […]

Europe & Eurasia France

BelarusAlert

Feb 9, 2022

Soviet Reunion: Belarus, Ukraine and Vladimir Putin’s dreams of empire

By Brian Whitmore

Ukraine and Belarus are the first targets in Putin's quest to revive the old empire. While the world watches Russia's brinkmanship against Ukraine, Moscow is swiftly and quietly completing the takeover of Belarus.

Belarus Conflict

Engagement Reframed

Feb 9, 2022

Engagement Reframed #2: Seize the opportunity to rethink European security

By Emma Ashford

What is the opportunity? The ongoing crisis over Ukraine poses an extraordinary challenge for US and NATO policymakers. In recent months, Russia has positioned increasing numbers of military personnel, heavy weapons, and materiel along the Russian border with Ukraine, as well as near the Ukrainian-Belorussian border. Thus far, the Russian approach suggests that the Kremlin […]

Crisis Management Defense Policy

GeoTech Cues

Feb 9, 2022

The ecosystemization of Russia’s Big Tech

By Maxwell Kushnir

There is an increasingly visible phenomenon within Russia's Big Tech scene: the pursuit of horizontal monopolization of the internet, or 'ecosystemization.'

Digital Policy Financial Regulation

In the News

Feb 9, 2022

Wieslander interviewed on Putin-Macron meeting by Sweden’s “Expressen”

“[Putin] does not want to stop negotiating but rather continue increasing his sphere of influence in Europe. It is an interplay between military escalation and negotiations…If nothing happens militarily now, the chances of him taking action may be reduced. However, he can always withdraw and come back in the summer. We just don’t know. He […]

Europe & Eurasia France

Experts