It's probably a pretty good bet that Vladimir Putin felt more welcome at this year's summit for the Group of 20 (G20) major economies than at last year's.
Which raises the question: To what extent did the attacks in Paris last week change the dynamic between Russia and the West?
Is Vladimir Putin about to get what he's long wanted: a grand alliance to fight terrorism -- one that will push Ukraine off the agenda and get sanctions lifted?
On this week's Power Vertical Podcast, we unpack Russia's limited rapprochement with the West, and what it means going forward.
Joining me are co-host Mark Galeotti, a professor at New York University, an expert on Russia's security services, and author of the blog In Moscow's Shadows; and Steven Pifer, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and the former United States Ambassador to Ukraine.
Enjoy...
Listen to or download the podcast above or subscribe to The Power Vertical Podcast on iTunes.
PROGRAMMING NOTE: The Power Vertical Podcast -- and all other Power Vertical products -- will not appear next week as I will be travelling in Ukraine. The Daily Vertical, Briefing, and blog will return on November 30 and the Podcast will be back on December 4.