Category: Timely Commentary & Analysis

The United States needs a durable national energy strategy

By Sara Vakhshouri

The United States lacks a comprehensive, long-term energy strategy that can persist through election cycles and aligns energy security with broader national interests. Congress should address this shortfall by mandating a “National Energy Strategy” that establishes a durable energy policy framework.

Ukraine faces its most perilous winter yet

By Haley Nelson

Ukraine faces its harshest winter yet as temperatures drop, gas stocks dwindle, and its already crumbling energy infrastructure continues to endure Russian missile attacks. Ukraine, with help from its partners, must urgently strengthen defenses of its energy infrastructure, or they risk international financial support being undermined by the continuous onslaught.

There’s a more effective way forward than “maximum pressure” for Venezuela

By David Voght and Patricia Ventura

Following the fraudulent outcome of Venezuela's July election, there is growing pressure on the United States to reintroduce sanctions to expel Western firms from the nation’s oil sector. However, preserving the existing policy, which restricts the regime’s financial access while promoting energy security and countering foreign influence, might prove more effective.

Air force for hire

By Alia Brahimi

Host Alia Brahimi chats with mercenaries expert Alessandro Arduino, a top China analyst.

Extend and expand the Nord Stream sanctions now

By Alan Riley

The US Senate is moving toward preserving sanctions on the Gazprom-owned Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which expire at the end of 2024. The Senate must press ahead and extend those sanctions to Nord Stream 1 as well. By doing so, the United States would strengthen Ukraine’s security and Europe’s energy independence. Sign up for PowerPlay, […]

Congressman Michael McCaul on why a deal with Russia on Ukraine must have ‘enforcement’

McCaul addressed the threat that Russian aggression poses to US interests, highlighting Moscow’s expanding alliances with North Korea, Iran, and China.

Batteries are charging California’s solar revolution

By Joseph Webster and Natalia Storz

California is setting records in solar electricity generation and increasingly pairing solar projects with battery storage. This promising trend is not only greening the Golden State's grid but also benefiting the broader region by reducing the need for electricity imports.

Europe’s new industrial plan faces formidable obstacles

By Andrei Covatariu

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has promised to put forth in her second term a new Clean Industrial Deal to mobilize investment in infrastructure and industry, and reduce dependence on energy imports. But energy supply challenges and geopolitical hurdles risk undermining plans to restore Europe’s industrial competitiveness.

MENA’s economic outlook for 2025 and beyond from the Atlantic Council’s IMF/World Bank Week 

By Kate Springs and Leila Ouhri

During this year’s World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Fall Meetings, the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative, alongside the GeoEconomics Center, hosted a week of events that provided plentiful insights into the region’s economic outlook.   The Economic and Social Costs of the Gaza War “We’ve had the loss of lives, injuries, and the cessation of […]

Tackling the energy-water challenge at COP29

By Robert F. Ichord, Jr.

Energy and water have a complex and inextricable relationship, especially as growing populations, expanding cities, and the changing climate strain resources around the globe. Leaders at COP29 must come together in Baku to promote policies, strategies, and investments to meet the water and energy challenge.