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.
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52:52
THE CHINA FILE
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?
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46:24
Brian Whitmore on ABC NewsRadio
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.
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THE MACGYVER NATION STRIKES BACK
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.
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1:00:47
RUSSIA'S CYBER SPIDERS
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.
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 Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council Eurasia Center and Russia and Eurasia Specialist and Assistant Professor of Practice at the Charles T. McDowell Center for Global Studies at The University of Texas at Arlington.