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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.

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In the News

Feb 7, 2014

Hof on Victoria Nuland’s EU Gaffe

By Frederic C. Hof

US News and World Report quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on the effects of Victoria Nuland’s leaked conversation:

Russia Ukraine
Sergei Glazyev, an adviser to President Vladimir Putin

NATOSource

Feb 6, 2014

Putin Aide Warns US on Ukraine, Says Russia Could Act

By Alastair Macdonald, Reuters

A senior Kremlin aide accused the United States on Thursday of arming Ukrainian “rebels” and, urging the Kiev government to put down what it called an attempted coup, warned it could intervene to maintain the security of its ex-Soviet neighbor.

Russia Ukraine
Victory Day Parade in Moscow, May 9, 2005

NATOSource

Feb 4, 2014

Russia Named World’s Third-Largest Military Spender

By RIA Novosti

Russia is now the world’s third-largest military spender after the United States and China, pushing the United Kingdom into fourth place

China France
Flag of the Russian Ministry of Defense

NATOSource

Feb 4, 2014

Russia to Create Cyberwarfare Units by 2017

By RIA Novosti

Russia plans to create special cyber-defense units to protect the country against online warfare in the coming years

Cybersecurity Russia
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, February 1, 2014

NATOSource

Feb 3, 2014

NATO Secretary General Concerned About Russian Plans to Deploy Offensive Weapon Systems

By Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO

I am convinced that the vision that we agreed in 2010 in Lisbon remains the right one: a true strategic partnership between NATO and Russia. But I am concerned that in key areas, we remain too far apart.

Belarus Europe & Eurasia
Harpoon missile launched from the guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook, April 29, 2009

NATOSource

Feb 3, 2014

Russia Threatens to Quit START as US Deploys Aegis Destroyer to Spain

By RT

The US has deployed a ballistic missile defense destroyer to Spain to boost NATO’s anti-missile shield in Europe. The move, allegedly aimed at curbing the Iranian threat, has sparked talks about Russia possibly scrapping the START nuclear treaty.

Missile Defense NATO
70th anniversary of the lifting of the siege of Leningrad

NATOSource

Jan 30, 2014

US Intelligence Community’s Threat Assessment of Russia

By Office of the Director of National Intelligence

The following excerpt is from the Worldwide Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community, delivered by Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, January 29, 2014.

Intelligence Missile Defense
Acting Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Rose Gottemoeller

NATOSource

Jan 30, 2014

US Disclosed to NATO that Russia is Testing New Missile Prohibited by Treaty

By Michael R. Gordon, New York Times

The United States informed its NATO allies this month that Russia had tested a new ground-launched cruise missile, raising concerns about Moscow’s compliance with a landmark arms control accord.

NATO Russia

Article

Jan 30, 2014

After Ukraine: Moscow’s Next Offensive

By Marik String

While the outcome of Ukraine’s upheaval may not be clear, this much is: Russia has successfully used sanctions, a pile of cash and natural gas discounts to set back Ukraine’s effort to build itself a European future. Even as Russia shifts focus to ensuring the safety and prestige of next month’s Sochi Olympics, the Euro-Atlantic […]

Russia The Caucasus
Director of National Intelligence James Clapper

NATOSource

Jan 29, 2014

Intelligence Community’s Assessment of Cyber Threats to the US

By Office of the Director of National Intelligence

The following excerpt is from the Worldwide Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community, delivered by Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, January 29, 2014.

China Cybersecurity

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