PUTIN'S SHRINKING AXIS OF ROGUES

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