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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

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 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

UkraineAlert

Feb 8, 2022

With Putin poised to invade, Zelenskyy must prioritize Ukrainian unity

By Kira Rudik

With Russian troops poised to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it is time for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to put personal rivalries to one side and unite the country's political forces, says Kira Rudik.

Conflict Corruption

Hybrid Conflict Project

Feb 8, 2022

US adversaries have been mastering hybrid warfare. It’s time to catch up.

By Marc Polymeropoulos, Arun Iyer

Bad actors are embracing hybrid warfare. Time is of the essence for Washington to seize the advantage.

Defense Policy Russia

UkraineAlert

Feb 8, 2022

Ukraine prepares to unplug from Russian electricity amid invasion fears

By Aura Sabadus

Amid mounting fears of a full-scale Russian invasion, Ukraine remains determined to proceed with a planned trial disconnection from the Russian electricity grid in order to progress towards European energy integration.

Conflict Energy Markets & Governance

Blog Post

Feb 8, 2022

State of the Order: Assessing January 2022

The State of the Order breaks down the month's most important events impacting the democratic world order.

China Conflict

New Atlanticist

Feb 8, 2022

For Biden, wreaking havoc on Russia’s economy is the least bad option

By Brian O’Toole, Daniel Fried, Edward Fishman

Putin is testing the West’s resolve for tough measures—which is why maximalist banking sanctions are the linchpin of an effective deterrent.

Conflict Economic Sanctions

Experts