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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

UkraineAlert

Jun 8, 2021

Ukrainians fear betrayal over Putin’s pipeline

By Diane Francis

The prospect of NATO and US-Russia summits in mid-June is creating anxiety in Ukraine, which finds itself in the role of bystander despite the nation’s prominent position on the agendas for both meetings.

European Union Geopolitics & Energy Security

New Atlanticist

Jun 8, 2021

Biden is building a doctrine around democracy. Will it work?

By Daniel Fried

It’s a compelling vision. But achieving it will be fraught. As the United States has discovered many times, big plans have a way of breaking down when they meet messy reality.

China International Norms

UkraineAlert

Jun 7, 2021

Ukraine’s new football shirt leaves Russia furious

By Peter Dickinson

Russia has reacted with fury to Ukraine's new national football team jersey featuring a map of Ukraine. Kremlin anger is focused on the inclusion of Crimea, which is internationally recognized as part of Ukraine but has been under Russian occupation since 2014.

Conflict Disinformation

New Atlanticist

Jun 7, 2021

Secretary General Stoltenberg explains why NATO is getting serious about cyber and China ‘is not an adversary’

By Daniel Malloy

Jens Stoltenberg appeared at the Atlantic Council’s Washington headquarters ahead of next week’s NATO summit in Brussels and on a US trip that is also scheduled to include an Oval Office visit with President Joe Biden.

China Cybersecurity

In the News

Jun 5, 2021

Massa interviewed by CNBC on nuclear submarines

By Atlantic Council

Forward Defense Assistant Director Mark J. Massa was interviewed in CBNC video on the future of US nuclear submarines.

China Maritime Security

BelarusAlert

Jun 2, 2021

Putin’s Belarus strategy: Arsonist and firefighter?

By Brian Whitmore

Vladimir Putin has a proven skill for surreptitiously playing the arsonist and then offering his services as a firefighter. He may now be employing these same tactics in his approach towards the crisis in neighboring Belarus.

Belarus Politics & Diplomacy

Uncategorized

Jun 1, 2021

Greenwald quoted by CNBC on digital currencies in Russia

By Michael Greenwald

Read the whole article here.

Digital Currencies Economic Sanctions

New Atlanticist

Jun 1, 2021

Assessing Russia’s role and responsibility in the Colonial Pipeline attack

By Scott Jasper

Russia benefits politically from the chaos of this attack and Russia has the power and duty to do something about such hacks, even if the weapon is in someone else's hands.

Cybersecurity National Security

Fast Thinking

Jun 1, 2021

FAST THINKING: Ransomware attacks are on the rise. What can we do about it?

By Atlantic Council

On this episode of Fast Thinking, David Bray, director of the Geotech Center, and Trey Herr, director of the Cyber Statecraft Initiative, dive into the geopolitical, cyber-defense, and small business implications of the growing trend of ransomware attacks - and suggest effective policy solutions to minimize vulnerabilities and adapt to future threats.

Cybersecurity Russia

UkraineAlert

Jun 1, 2021

Biden-Putin summit: Ukraine should not expect miracles

By Oleksiy Goncharenko

Ukraine is set to be high on the agenda when US President Joe Biden meets Russia's Vladimir Putin on June 16. However, few expect any breakthroughs towards ending the seven-year Russo-Ukrainian War.

Conflict Politics & Diplomacy

Experts