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

UkraineAlert

Dec 21, 2021

A Russian invasion of Ukraine could be Vladimir Putin’s downfall

By Taras Kuzio

Russian President Vladimir Putin is currently threatening to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine but his plans do not appear to enjoy widespread support among the Russian public and could destabilize the regime.

Conflict Cybersecurity
President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of China Xi Jinping look on during a signing ceremony.

Report

Dec 21, 2021

Axis of collusion: The fragile Putin-Xi partnership

By Harley Balzer

The close relationship between the leaders of Russia and China drives what many think is a developing Sino-Russian alliance, but tensions over deep issues remain. Just how close are these great powers?

Central Asia China

Fast Thinking

Dec 17, 2021

FAST THINKING: Russia calls for a Cold War-style Europe. Will NATO give in?

By Atlantic Council

As tensions tick up on the eastern front, our experts break it all down for you.

Conflict Crisis Management

UkraineAlert

Dec 17, 2021

Russian court accidentally delivers guilty verdict on Putin’s Ukraine war

By Peter Dickinson

A Russian court in Rostov has accidentally issued a guilty verdict on Putin's Ukraine war by publishing official documents confirming the presence of Russian military units in Kremlin-occupied eastern Ukraine.

Conflict Disinformation

In the News

Dec 17, 2021

Kroenig and Ashford reflect on US foreign policy in 2021 and debate the year ahead

By Atlantic Council

On December 17, Foreign Policy published a biweekly column featuring Scowcroft Center deputy director Matthew Kroenig and New American Engagement Initiative senior fellow Emma Ashford assessing the latest news in international affairs. In their last column of 2021, they reflect on major foreign policy events that shaped the year, debate the limits of US power and leadership, […]

Afghanistan Arms Control

TURKEYSource

Dec 16, 2021

Turkey could tip the balance in the Ukraine-Russia standoff

By Matthew Bryza, Grady Wilson

Turkey is doubling down on defense cooperation with Ukraine via drone sales, while retaining cordial relations with Russia. How can Ankara's diplomacy play a role in this simmering conflict?

Conflict Defense Industry

UkraineAlert

Dec 16, 2021

Vladimir Putin fears Ukrainian democracy not NATO expansion

By Peter Dickinson

Vladimir Putin's claims of a growing NATO presence in Ukraine are not matched by facts on the ground. In reality, protests over NATO expansion are an excuse to escalate Russia's eight-year war against Ukraine.

Conflict Disinformation

Blog Post

Dec 16, 2021

State of the Order: Assessing November 2021

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

China Climate Change & Climate Action

EconoGraphics

Dec 16, 2021

Global Sanctions Dashboard: Holiday edition

By Julia Friedlander, Michael Albanese, Maia Nikoladze and Castellum.AI

Coordinated actions against Belarus and global human rights abusers, sanctions on African states, and anti-kleptocracy reform.

Africa Belarus

In the News

Dec 16, 2021

Katz quoted in VOA to discuss China and Russia’s recent summit

By Atlantic Council

Defense Policy Human Rights

Experts