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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

Nov 9, 2021

Manning in The Hill: The tragic politics of climate change

By Atlantic Council

On November 9, Robert Manning published an op-ed in The Hill on the COP26 climate conference and the US stance at the conference. Manning pointed to the dark irony of President Biden calling on countries to end their dependence on oil while at the same time asking OPEC countries to increase their production. There were […]

China Climate Change & Climate Action

UkraineAlert

Nov 9, 2021

Nord Stream 2: Germany must listen to Ukrainian security concerns

By Olga Bielkova

Ukraine has requested a role in the German process to certify Nord Stream 2 amid fears in Kyiv that the pipeline could pave the wave for an escalation in ongoing Russian military aggression against Ukraine.

Conflict Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Nov 9, 2021

Pavel in CNN on the US-French diplomatic relationship

By Atlantic Council

Barry Pavel provides comments to CNN on the rebuilding of the US-French diplomatic relationship following the

China France

In the News

Nov 7, 2021

Vershbow in The National Interest: How NATO can help Ukraine deter Russian aggression

By Alexander Vershbow

Amb. Vershbow argues in The National Interest that NATO’s new Strategic Concept should adopt a more strategic approach to ensuring the security of Ukraine.

English Europe & Eurasia

UkraineAlert

Nov 6, 2021

Disarming Putin’s energy weapon: Ukraine must connect to EU grid

By Anders Åslund

With Vladimir Putin seeking to restrict energy supplies to Ukraine, it is increasingly clear that Kyiv must connect to the European electricity grid in order to reduce its vulnerability to Kremlin blackmail tactics.

Conflict Energy & Environment

In the News

Nov 4, 2021

Polymeropoulos in Belfer Center on Havana Syndrome

By Atlantic Council

Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow Marc Polymeropoulous discusses Havana Syndrome.

Americas Cuba

UkraineAlert

Nov 4, 2021

Ukraine faces energy crisis as Putin weaponizes gas and coal supplies

By Aura Sabadus

As the winter season draws closer, Ukraine faces a looming energy crisis on multiple fronts which could lead to domestic political instability and deepen the country’s dependence on Vladimir Putin's Russia.

Conflict Energy & Environment

In the News

Nov 4, 2021

Pavel and Trotti in Defense One on emerging technology and strategic deterrence

By Atlantic Council

Barry Pavel and Christian Trotti publish an Op-Ed in Defense One titled "New Tech Will Erode Nuclear Deterrence. The US Must Adapt."

China Defense Policy

BelarusAlert

Nov 3, 2021

Is Lukashenka mimicking Putin’s weaponization of organized crime?

By Brian Whitmore

As he becomes more and more dependent on the Kremlin, is Belarus dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka now also adopting the Putin regime's practice of using organized crime as an instrument of statecraft?

Belarus Cybersecurity

UkraineAlert

Nov 2, 2021

Putin’s Ukraine War: Russian MP recalls efforts to push civil war myth

By Peter Dickinson

Russian MP Alexander Borodai's frank recent comments about Russia's responsibility for the war in Ukraine underline the current sense of impunity in Moscow and expose the absurdity of Russia's ongoing denials.

Conflict Disinformation

Experts