Rightsizing Russia
The thing about Russia is that it is never as strong as it appears — and it is never as weak as it appears. So how strong is Russia really? And how much policy attention should it be receiving? Continue reading
Tag Archives: Podcast
The Nord Stream-2 Endgame
The long struggle over the Russian-led Nord Stream 2 pipeline appears to be entering its endgame. Is this controversial and highly politicized energy project a done deal? Continue reading
The Battle Against Strategic Corruption and Weaponized Kleptocracy
The recently published Pandora Papers has exposed how politicians and public officials use offshore tax havens to hide their wealth and evade taxes. Continue reading
The Two-Front Cold War
With the focus of the United States largely on a rising and increasingly bellicose China — and with Russia being dismissed by many as a declining regional power — fears are mounting that the European front is not getting the attention it demands. Continue reading
The Multi-Front War In Ukraine
All is not quiet on the Ukrainian front. Continue reading
Putin’s Rocky Road to 2024
Last week’s so-called election to the State Duma was a dress rehearsal for Vladimir Putin’s next political project – securing his continued rule until 2036. Continue reading
Putin’s Legitimization Ritual
The atmosphere in the runup to Russia’s so-called elections this weekend is so restrictive that for the first time since the breakup of the Soviet Union, the OSCE has decided not to send observers. Continue reading
Fortress Russia: Putin’s New Model Police State
Vladimir Putin’s autocratic regime is cracking down on dissent again. But this time, it feels a bit different – and a lot more sinister. Continue reading
The Guns of September
They’ve been called a pretext for mischief against the Baltics and Poland and a means for Russia to increase its military footprint in Belarus. But whatever you call them, the joint Russian-Belarusian Zapad-2021 military exercises that will begin next week seem to have everybody’s attention. Continue reading
30 Years of Ukrainian Independence
The modern Ukrainian state turned 30 this week. This week’s Power Vertical Podcast looks back at its progress and ahead to its prospects. Continue reading