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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

New Atlanticist

Sep 16, 2021

What these Russian elections will reveal about the Kremlin’s power

By Brian Whitmore

They're the last big test for the Kremlin before the 2024 presidential election.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

BelarusAlert

Sep 15, 2021

Russian-Belarusian military merger accelerates on NATO’s eastern flank

By Brian Whitmore

The accelerating military merger between Russia and Belarus is dramatically altering the regional security equation and creating an authoritarian army on the European Union's eastern frontier.

Belarus Russia

UkraineAlert

Sep 15, 2021

Vladimir Putin accused of weaponizing Russian gas

By Diane Francis

With construction work on Russia’s controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline now complete, critics say Moscow is weaponizing gas deliveries to Europe in a bid to speed up the lengthy certification process.

European Union Geopolitics & Energy Security

BelarusAlert

Sep 14, 2021

Belarus dictator poses growing threat to Ukraine

By Lisa Yasko

Belarusian dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka's growing dependence on the Kremlin is allowing Vladimir Putin to expand his military presence in Belarus and creating a new front in Russia's hybrid war against Ukraine.

Belarus Conflict

In the News

Sep 11, 2021

Ashford on the Diplomatic Immunity podcast: Strategies of Competition and Restraint with Emma Ashford and Charles Edel

By Atlantic Council

On September 11, Emma Ashford joined the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University’s Diplomatic Immunity podcast with Director of Programs and Research Kelly McFarland and the Wilson Center’s Charles Edel. They discussed strategies of competition and restraint, and US foreign policy relations with China and Russia. “Season 3, Episode 2: ISD Director […]

China Climate Change & Climate Action

In the News

Sep 10, 2021

Sakhi joined the Wilson Center for a comprehensive discussion: “Hindsight Up Front: Implications of Afghanistan Withdrawal for China and Russia”

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan China

In the News

Sep 10, 2021

Kroenig and Ashford discuss the brewing refugee crisis in Eastern Europe and the new Taliban government

By Atlantic Council

On September 10, Foreign Policy published a biweekly column featuring Scowcroft Center deputy director Matthew Kroenig and New American Engagement Initiative senior fellow Emma Ashford discussing the latest news in international affairs. In this column, they discuss Belarus’ attempt to inundate Eastern Europe with migrants, threats to democracy in Brazil, and the newly announced Taliban government in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan Belarus

In the News

Sep 8, 2021

Ashford at CSIS: Military Challenges to Future NATO Enlargement

By Atlantic Council

On September 8, Ashford participated in a panel discussion at the Center for Strategic and International Studies around a new paper on the future of NATO expansion and was appointed a Nonresident Fellow at the Modern War Institute as West Point for the 2021-2022 academic year. “Past NATO expansion helped create a Europe whole, free, […]

English Europe & Eurasia

BelarusAlert

Sep 8, 2021

Belarus and Europe’s new Iron Curtain

By Brian Whitmore

Kremlin-backed Belarusian dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka's weaponization of illegal migration has forced neighboring EU members to introduce tougher border restrictions and led to talk of a new Iron Curtain.

Belarus European Union

In the News

Sep 8, 2021

Alam wrote for Project Syndicate on the Afghan resistance: “Support Ahmad Massoud and the Afghan Resistance”

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan Conflict

Experts