Energy & Environment

The state of great power competition in the Gulf

By Jonathan Fulton

This issue brief examines Gulf states' strategic positioning amid shifting global power dynamics, the opportunities and challenges of great power competition, and regional efforts toward de-escalation and development.

Standardizing carbon accounting worldwide with a single, robust, cost-effective system

By Vincent Aussilloux, Yann Coatanlem, and Karthik Ramanna

Carbon accounting has the potential to accelerate decarbonization, improve energy resilience, and strengthen economic security. But first, countries must decide on a robust, standardized system.

Why the Arctic matters to the United States

By Julia Nesheiwat

The region is rapidly becoming a geopolitical arena where Russia and China’s deepening cooperation challenges Western dominance.

Can Project Vault fortify the US industrial base against mineral chokepoints?

By Morgan D. Bazilian and Lt. Col. Jahara “FRANKY” Matisek

Project Vault will help the United States create a stockpile of critical minerals, but its success as a strategic asset will depend on its governance.

In Guinea, the US has a rare opportunity to gain an edge over China

By Rose Keravuori, Maureen Farrell

Guinea’s democratic transition and mineral riches put it center stage in US-China competition. The United States now has a rare chance to align investment, security, and governance to secure strategic influence in West Africa.

The US-Lithuania LNG partnership exposes the myth that there are ‘no alternatives’ to Russian gas

As US LNG exports grow, a Baltic ally that decided to break with Russia more than a decade ago shows the way forward for Europe.

How Trump and Erdoğan can turn US LNG energy dominance into Black Sea stability

By Nataliya Katser-Buchkovska, Landon Derentz

The US and Turkish presidents, along with the Ukrainian president, should strike a deal to open the Bosporus Strait to US LNG tankers.

Key questions on how Project Vault can secure minerals supplies

By Evan Musolino

The US plan to stockpile critical minerals is moving forward, but the details of its purpose, design, and usage have yet to be shared. Here are key areas to watch.

The road to the AI Impact Summit: How to build AI infrastructure from the ground up

By Ryan Pan, Coley Felt, Raul Brens Jr.

The central question for AI in 2026 is not whether governments have an AI strategy—it’s whether they can operationalize it and quickly deliver the benefits to their citizens.