issue spotlight

Stay updated

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

In the News

Aug 10, 2025

Guenov quoted in the New York Times on the Trump-Putin Summit

On August 1, Tressa Guenov, director of operations and programs and senior fellow at the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, was quoted in the New York Times on President Trump’s and Russian President Putin’s perceptions of their meeting in Alaska.

Politics & Diplomacy Russia

Fast Thinking

Aug 8, 2025

Trump and Putin just announced a meeting in Alaska. What does that mean for the war in Ukraine? 

By Atlantic Council

As attention turns to the tête-à-tête in the last frontier, we turn to our experts for their insights on what to expect.

Conflict Russia

UkraineAlert

Aug 7, 2025

Ukraine’s expanding robot army can help address manpower shortages

By David Kirichenko

Robotic systems are in many ways an ideal battlefield solution for Ukraine as the country seeks ways to leverage its proven tech prowess in order to defend itself in a grueling war of attrition against a far larger enemy, writes David Kirichenko.

Conflict Defense Industry

In the News

Aug 7, 2025

Vinograd on CBS News on President Trump’s decision to impose additional tariffs on India

On August 7, Samantha Vinograd, nonresident senior fellow at the Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative, appeared on CBS News to discuss President Trump’s announcement of an additional 25% tariff to be imposed on India as the country continues to buy Russian oil.

India Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Aug 6, 2025

Dispatch from the Russian border: The Curonian Spit and the contest of the Baltic Sea

By Justina Budginaite-Froehly

A recent visit to Lithuania’s border with Kaliningrad reveals how the Baltic Sea has become one of Europe’s most contested maritime zones.

Eastern Europe NATO

In the News

Aug 6, 2025

Vinograd on CBS News on US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s meeting with President Putin

On August 6, Samantha Vinograd, nonresident senior fellow at the Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative, appeared on CBS News to discuss US special envoy Steve Witkoff’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin as the Trump administration pushes Russia to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine.

Politics & Diplomacy Russia

UkraineAlert

Aug 5, 2025

Digital democracy is the key to staging wartime elections in Ukraine

By Brian Mefford

With no end in sight to Russia's invasion, Ukraine cannot afford to postpone all elections indefinitely. With this in mind, it is time to start the process of digitalizing Ukraine’s democracy, writes Brian Mefford.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

UkraineAlert

Aug 5, 2025

Ukraine’s anti-corruption reforms are more vital than ever during wartime

By Olena Halushka

The recent wave of nationwide protests in defense of the country’s anti-corruption reforms served as a timely reminder that Ukraine’s democratic instincts remain strong, even amid the horrors of Russia’s invasion and the escalating bombardment of Ukrainian cities, writes Olena Halushka.

Civil Society Conflict

In the News

Aug 5, 2025

Vinograd on CBS News on talks between President Trump and President Zelenskyy

On August 5, Samantha Vinograd, nonresident senior fellow at the Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative, appeared on CBS News to discuss Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s talk with President Trump focused on ending the war with Russia.

Politics & Diplomacy Russia

MENASource

Aug 1, 2025

Where does the Gulf stand on Russia’s recognition of the Taliban?

By Giorgio Cafiero

While maintaining close ties with the West, the GCC has increasingly strengthened its ties with Russia and China.

Afghanistan Politics & Diplomacy

Experts