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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.

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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

Mar 11, 2014

Carstei: New Russian Pipeline Makes No Sense

By Mihaela Carstei

Foreign Policy quotes Energy & Environment Program Acting Director Mihaela Carstei on Russia’s energy strategy in Europe:

Energy & Environment Russia

New Atlanticist

Mar 11, 2014

Don’t Give Up on Crimea

By Damon Wilson

Ukrainian Troops Sustain Symbols of Sovereignty That Could Weaken Russia’s Grip Twenty-four hours after being named to command Ukrainian forces in Crimea, Rear Admiral Denis Berezovsky switched allegiance to the Russia-installed Crimean puppet government. Accompanied by Russian special operations troops and unidentified gunmen, he strode into the Ukrainian military’s Perevalne base demanding that its soldiers […]

Russia Ukraine

In the News

Mar 10, 2014

Pavel: How Obama Can Hold Back Russia and Reassure Europe

By Barry Pavel

VP and Brent Scowcroft Center Director Barry Pavel writes in Defense One on how the Obama administration can check Russia’s influence in Europe’s East:

Russia Ukraine
Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski, March 17, 2011

NATOSource

Mar 10, 2014

Polish Foreign Minister: ‘We Cannot Let Putin Get Away With’ Annexation of Crimea

By Cristina Odone, Telegraph

Russia must not be allowed to redraw the map of Europe, Radek Sikorski, Poland’s Foreign Minister, tells the Telegraph ahead of a meeting with William Hague on Monday.

European Union International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Mar 10, 2014

To Bolster Ukraine, Help Modernize its Arms Industry

By James Hasik

A Better Army and Economy Will Help Kyiv Stay Independent of Moscow As the United States and NATO search for the right ways to oppose Russia’s seizure from Ukraine of the Crimean Peninsula, policymakers should note a surprising industrial fact: Ukraine is the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter, having sold more than $1.3 billion in weapons […]

Russia Ukraine
President Obama's Meeting with Baltic Leaders, Aug. 30, 2013

NATOSource

Mar 8, 2014

Obama Reaffirms US Commitment to Defend Baltic Allies

From the White House:  The President spoke separately with Prime Minister Cameron, President Hollande, and Prime Minister Renzi today about Ukraine.

NATO Northern Europe
Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite, July 5, 2013

NATOSource

Mar 8, 2014

Ukraine Crisis Stokes Baltic Nerves Over Russia

By Andrius Saytas and Aija Krutaine, Reuters

The Baltics fear Russia’s military buildup over Ukraine will lead to Moscow sowing more trouble in their region after it curbed important exports last year and buzzed their borders, forcing NATO to scramble jets dozens of times.

NATO Northern Europe
Swedish Chief of Defense Sverker Goransson at NATO HQ, May 14, 2013

NATOSource

Mar 8, 2014

Sweden Mulls ‘Doctrine Shift’ in Defense After Russian Incursion in Ukraine

By Niclas Rolander, Wall Street Journal

The continuing crisis in Ukraine has the reputedly peaceful Swedes rethinking the nation’s defense doctrine, and some are using the situation as a way to push for NATO membership

NATO NATO Partnerships

In the News

Mar 8, 2014

Brattberg: Putin Counting on US Inaction

By Erik Brattberg

Erik Brattberg, resident fellow for the Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security, is quoted in The Hill:

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Event Recap

Mar 7, 2014

Singer-Activist Ruslana: ‘Do Everything’ to Avert War in Ukraine

By James Rupert

Ukrainian pop music star and political activist Ruslana Lyzhychko swept her long, straight hair back from her face and leaned forward, hands folded, on a podium at the Atlantic Council. In the passionate alto that has electrified concert audiences worldwide, she pleaded quietly in English to a crowded room: “Don’t do something, do everything – […]

Russia Ukraine

Experts

Events