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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

Event Recap

Jun 6, 2019

Experts debate the future of global warfare

By Africa Center

On Thursday, June 6, the Africa Center hosted a public discussion on the future of warfare, occasioned by the launch of Senior Fellow Dr. Sean McFate’s latest book The New Rules of War: Victory in the Age of Durable Disorder. Africa Center Director of Programs and Studies and Deputy Director Ms. Bronwyn Bruton welcomed guests […]

Africa China

In the News

Jun 4, 2019

Nader Uskowi quoted in Ahval: Turkey and Russia tussle in Syria’s Idlib

By Nader Uskowi

Read More Here

Russia Syria

UkraineAlert

Jun 4, 2019

Seven dangers of engaging with the occupied Donbas—and opportunities for the new Ukrainian president

By Petro Burkovskyi

Ukraine’s new president says he wants to end the Russian-backed war in the country’s east. However, it won’t be easy. There are at least seven dangers of engaging with the occupied territories of the Donbas. The first danger is that a class of highly educated and trained leaders is completely absent. All key positions, whether […]

Conflict Corruption

New Atlanticist

Jun 3, 2019

Senior pentagon official warns of Moscow’s ambitions in the Middle East

By David A. Wemer

Russia’s support for Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria is just the beginning of Moscow’s designs on the wider Middle East, Kathryn Wheelbarger, acting US assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, warned on May 30.

Iran Middle East

Event Recap

Jun 3, 2019

Event Recap: Senior Pentagon Official Warns of Moscow’s Ambitions in the Middle East

By David A. Wemer

This recap originally appeared in The New Atlanticist. Watch the video.  Russia’s support for Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria is just the beginning of Moscow’s designs on the wider Middle East, Kathryn Wheelbarger, acting US assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, warned on May 30.

Iran Russia

Insights & Impact

Jun 1, 2019

Russia’s Crony Capitalism: The Path from Market Economy to Kleptocracy

Anders Aslund This insightful study explores how the economic system Vladimir Putin has developed in Russia works to consolidate control over the country. By appointing his close associates as heads of state enterprises and by giving control of the FSB and the judiciary to his friends from the KGB, he has enriched his business friends […]

Corruption Economy & Business

Insights & Impact

Jun 1, 2019

Geo-economics: Russia and Iran in Syria

Faysal Itani This article examines two dimensions of a broader analysis of the geo-economics of reconstruction in Syria: the actions of Iran and Russia in the context of their interests and capabilities. The analysis identifies overlaps and conflicts among these interests and examines the larger geo-economic and geo-political implications. A comprehensive survey of Iranian and […]

Economy & Business Iran

Insights & Impact

Jun 1, 2019

Roundtable with Henning Vaglum, Director General for Security Policy at the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Defense

On May 2, the Transatlantic Security Initiative hosted a private roundtable with Henning Vaglum, director general for security policy at the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Defense. The session featured keynote remarks by Mr. Vaglum, followed by a moderated conversation led by TSI director Chris Skaluba. Russia’s increased activity in the Arctic and North Atlantic is […]

Defense Policy Defense Technologies

Inflection Points

Jun 1, 2019

Special edition: Xi and Putin’s budding bromance

By Frederick Kempe

For now, what binds them together is common cause against US global leadership, their shared interest in political survival, their similarly autocratic systems and the personal closeness that has grown between leaders who have acted to concentrate more power in their own hands.

China Russia

New Atlanticist

May 31, 2019

US Congress would undermine transatlantic alliance with Nord Stream 2 sanctions

By Samantha Sultoon

Despite touting its role as the pro-transatlantic alliance arm of the US government, Congress is threatening to undermine critical European partners with new legislation that would impose sanctions on key allies.

Economic Sanctions European Union

Experts