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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

In the News

Jan 20, 2022

Kroenig and Cimmino reflect on President Biden’s approach to dictators

By Atlantic Council

On January 20, The Dispatch published a piece by Matthew Kroenig and Jeffrey Cimmino reflecting on how President Biden has approached authoritarian rivals during his first year in office. They argue that the president has been tough on China, but has not adequately confronted Russia, Iran, or international terrorism.

China Iran

UkraineAlert

Jan 19, 2022

Don’t believe Putin’s propaganda. Sanctions are hurting Russia.

By Harley Balzer

International sanctions imposed on Russia since 2014 in response to Moscow's attack on Ukraine continue to have a negative impact on the country's economy despite Kremlin efforts to claim otherwise.

Conflict Defense Technologies

BelarusAlert

Jan 19, 2022

Ukraine faces mounting encirclement as Russian troops enter Belarus

By Brian Whitmore

From military deployments to cyber attacks, Alyaksandr Lukashenka's Belarus is now clearly a full participant in Vladimir Putin's escalating campaign against Ukraine.

Belarus Conflict

In the News

Jan 19, 2022

Jensen in the Hill on NATO’s role in the Russia-Ukraine crisis

By Atlantic Council

Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow Ben Jensen recommends focus areas for NATO in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis.

Conflict Crisis Management

UkraineAlert

Jan 18, 2022

Ben Wallace: Putin’s bogus NATO fears disguise Ukraine ambitions

By Peter Dickinson

As geopolitical tensions continue to mount in Eastern Europe, UK Defense Minister Ben Wallace has published an essay exposing the chilling reality behind Russian President Vladimir Putin's imperial ambitions in Ukraine.

Conflict Disinformation

In the News

Jan 18, 2022

Manning in SpyTalk: US Signaling Putin that Ukraine Will Be Bloody

By Atlantic Council

On January 18, Manning was quoted in a SpyTalk article regarding the behavior of Russian president Vladimir Putin and what the US response might be. “The diplomatic game of chicken between Russia and the U.S. appears to be rolling toward a violent climax, with a U.S. official warning Tuesday that the situation is ‘extremely dangerous,’ and that Russia could invade […]

Eastern Europe Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Jan 18, 2022

Dagres’ report on social media in Iran mentioned in The Cyber Wire

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

BelarusAlert

Jan 17, 2022

The Putin Doctrine: Russia defends autocrats from Belarus to Kazakhstan

By Victor Tregubov

The deployment of a Russia-led military mission to Kazakhstan in early January proved to be a short-lived affair. Nevertheless, it underlined Putin’s growing role as the world’s leading defender of authoritarianism.

Belarus Central Asia

New Atlanticist

Jan 17, 2022

If the West sticks together, it can find a way forward with Russia

By Daniel Fried

The US and Europe need to resist the temptation to respond to threats with concessions, and maintain a willingness to discuss European security in a way that benefits all, not just Moscow.

Conflict Crisis Management

UkraineAlert

Jan 17, 2022

Countering the growing Russian naval threat in the Black Sea region

By Skyler Blake

With Russian President Vladimir Putin currently threatening to escalate his eight-year war against Ukraine, it is now vital to implement an effective NATO security strategy for the Black Sea region.

Conflict Maritime Security

Experts