The Power Vertical Podcast by Brian Whitmore 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. Brian Whitmore is a Nonre
The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
The Power Vertical Podcast by Brian Whitmore is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Russia, Ukraine, and the post-Soviet space. Professor Whitmore, along with his esteemed guests, provides incredibly well-informed discussions on military and political topics that shed light on the region's dynamics. As someone who has been studying this area for a long time and has connections with experts in the field, Professor Whitmore brings depth and expertise to each episode.
One of the best aspects of The Power Vertical Podcast is the caliber of guests that Professor Whitmore invites onto the show. These guests are not only knowledgeable but also offer diverse perspectives on various issues. It allows listeners to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topics being discussed. Furthermore, Professor Whitmore's ability to moderate these discussions and ask insightful questions ensures that listeners receive a well-rounded analysis.
Another aspect worth praising is the podcast's weekly release schedule. This consistency allows listeners to stay informed regularly without having to wait for extended periods between episodes. By consistently providing new content, The Power Vertical Podcast keeps its audience engaged and encourages them to come back for more.
While it is challenging to find any major faults with The Power Vertical Podcast, one aspect that could be improved is providing guest names in episode descriptions. This would make it easier for listeners to identify specific individuals they may be interested in hearing from before listening to an episode fully.
In conclusion, The Power Vertical Podcast by Brian Whitmore is an indispensable resource for those seeking a deep understanding of Russia, Ukraine, and the post-Soviet space. With its well-informed discussions and expert guests, this podcast offers valuable insights into complex geopolitical issues. Whether you are new to this subject or have been following it closely for years, The Power Vertical Podcast will undoubtedly enhance your knowledge and keep you up-to-date on important developments in the region.
In this episode of The Power Vertical Podcast, host Brian Whitmore speaks with Anton Shekhovtsov, director of the Centre for Democratic Integrity in Vienna and author of Towers of Europa, about Vladimir Putin's eliminationist war against Ukraine and his quest for “symbolic immortality.” They discuss how ideology, historical revisionism, and the dehumanization of Ukrainians shape the Kremlin's motivations, and why understanding Putin's drive for symbolic immortality is key to grasping the genocidal nature of the war. The conversation also explores evolving Russian political myths, the manipulation of culture and history, and what Europe must do to meet the security challenges of a rapidly changing world order.
In this episode of The Power Vertical Podcast, host Brian Whitmore speaks with David Kramer, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, and Serhiy Kudelia, Associate Professor of Political Science at Baylor University, about the high-stakes Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. With the meeting unfolding as the episode was recorded, they analyze the possible scenarios—from capitulation to a Minsk 3-style ceasefire to the status quo—and explore how each could impact Ukraine, Europe, and U.S.-Russia relations. They also examine the broader strategic goals at play, the political signals from Washington, and what history might teach us about moments like this.
In this episode of The Power Vertical Podcast, host Brian Whitmore speaks with Michael Carpenter and James Sherr to unpack a chaotic week of U.S.-Russia diplomacy and shifting signals out of Washington. As Trump calls a surprise Moscow meeting “highly productive” and dangles the possibility of direct talks with Zelensky and Putin, the U.S. simultaneously threatens secondary sanctions and hikes tariffs on India. What's really going on? And could the West actually engineer a Ukrainian victory if it chose to? Tune in as our guests break down the mixed messages, strategic stakes, and what it all means for Ukraine, Russia, and the West.
In this episode of The Power Vertical Podcast, host Brian Whitmore speaks with military analyst Michael Kofman about Russia's summer offensive, Ukraine's resilience on the battlefield, and what shifting front lines near Pokrovsk, Kostyantynivka, and Zaporizhiya mean for the next phase of the war. They also explore the growing role of drones, Russia's aerial strikes on Ukrainian cities, and how U.S. pressure and Ukraine's domestic politics are shaping the conflict.
In this episode of The Power Vertical Podcast, host Brian Whitmore speaks with Volodymyr Kulyk, Dylan Combellick, and Michael Carpenter about the growing protests in Ukraine following President Zelensky's controversial move to curb anti-corruption agencies. As demonstrations erupt across major cities, civil society pushes back against what many see as a breach of democratic norms in the middle of war. The conversation explores whether a red line has been crossed—and what that means for public trust, wartime governance, and Ukraine's democratic future. The guests unpack the origins of these key institutions, their role since the 2014 Revolution of Dignity, and how this moment echoes past political tensions. It's a deep dive into democracy under siege—and why Ukrainians are demanding its protection now more than ever.
In this episode of The Power Vertical Podcast, host Brian Whitmore speaks with Jonathan Katz and Corina Rebegea about the new Cold War unfolding within democracies. They explore how Russia, corruption, and disinformation are undermining institutions across the West. The discussion also takes a close look at the recent crisis in Romania's presidential election and what it reveals about defending liberal values today.
In this episode of The Power Vertical Podcast, host Brian Whitmore speaks with Jeff Mankoff about rising tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan following a brutal crackdown and arrests on both sides. They explore how Azerbaijan's assertiveness reflects shifting power dynamics in the former Soviet space and its growing confidence after victory in Karabakh. The conversation also covers Azerbaijan's energy clout, ties to Turkey, and Moscow's costs from escalating tensions. Later, they examine Russia's faltering effort to rally the Global South against the West, with BRICS losing momentum.
In this episode of The Power Vertical Podcast, host Brian Whitmore speaks with James Sherr and Michael Carpenter about cracks in the Russia-Iran relationship following recent attacks on Tehran. They unpack what Iran's diminished ability to arm Moscow means for Putin's influence in the Middle East. The conversation also turns to the NATO summit in The Hague and its implications for Europe's security landscape.
In this episode of The Power Vertical Podcast, host Brian Whitmore speaks with Jeff Mankoff about the simmering espionage tensions between Russia and China that suggest cracks in their so-called "no limits" partnership. They explore leaked Russian intelligence reports accusing Beijing of spying and covert operations within Russian territory. Is the Sino-Russian alliance unraveling—or is something else at play?
In this episode of the Power Vertical Podcast, host Brian Whitmore speaks with former Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk and security expert Alexander Khara about Ukraine's unprecedented drone strike deep inside Russian territory. The guests analyze how the 18-month-long operation—dubbed Operation Spiderweb—was executed with precision, stealth, and strategic impact. They explore what this reveals about Ukraine's intelligence, logistics, and innovation in asymmetrical warfare. The conversation also looks ahead at how Ukraine is redefining modern conflict with drones, AI, and creative military tactics.
Brian Whitmore joins ABC News Radio to discuss Ukraine's latest drone attack on Russia and the potential impact this may have on the upcoming peace talks.
In this episode of the Power Vertical Podcast, Justin Sherman joins host Brian Whitmore to unpack the complex ecosystem behind Russia's offensive cyber operations. From government agencies like the GRU and SVR to loosely affiliated cybercriminals and patriotic hackers, Sherman explores how these entities operate—often independently, yet in alignment with state interests.
In this episode of the Power Vertical Podcast, Jen Stout joins host Brian Whitmore to discuss her experiences as a journalist in Ukraine. #podcast #russia #russian #ukraine
PUTIN'S CO-CONSPIRATORS by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
THE POTEMKIN PEACE PLAN by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
AND THE WAR GRINDS ON by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
THE NEW EUROPEAN FRONT by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
STRANGE NEW WORLD - UTA TALK by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
BRAVE NEW INTELLIGENCE WORLD by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US! THE EMERGING UKRAINIAN-EUROPEAN DEFENSE ALLIANCE by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
THE PUTINIZATION OF WORLD POLITICS by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
LAZY 'REALISM' AND THE APPEASEMENT OF RUSSIA by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
IT'S EUROPE'S MOMENT by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
A TIPPING POINT FOR UKRAINE -- AND EUROPE by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
THE BATTLE FOR DEMOCRACY, IN THE EAST AND IN THE WEST by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
EURASIAN EMPIRES CLASHING by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
THE WAGES (AND DEBTS) OF WAR by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
THE FALL OF PUTIN'S S.O.B. by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
THE END OF THE WORLD ORDER AS WE KNOW IT? by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
PUTIN'S PLOT AGAINST AMERICA by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
MOSCOW'S NEXT MOVE by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
UKRAINE'S NEW REALITY by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
NUKES, NATO, AND UKRAINIAN SECURITY by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
SHOWDOWN IN THE GRAY ZONE by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
GEORGIA'S DECISIVE MOMENT by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
THE WAR AT HOME by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
MAFIAISM IS THE NEW COMMUNISM - University of Texas at Arlington Talk by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
ZELENSKY'S PLAN, PUTIN'S THREATS by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
A MOMENT OF TRUTH IN UKRAINE by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
THE DICTATOR'S LITTLE HELPERS by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
UKRAINE'S KURSK OFFENSIVE by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
UKRAINE STRIKES BACK by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
PUTIN'S HOSTAGE - TAKING TERROR MACHINE by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
THE GEOPOLITICS OF THE SOUTH CAUCASUS by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
ROGUE RUSSIA by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
WRONGFULLY DETAINED by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
UKRAINE: THE VIEW FROM THE FRONT by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
PUTIN PLAYS THE PYONGYANG CARD by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
RUSSIA THE COLONIZER by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
GEORGIA ON THE BRINK by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center
NORTHERN EXPOSURE by The Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies and Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center