Geopolitics & Energy Security

The combination of energy and geopolitics can disrupt regional stability and have major effects on global energy markets. By monitoring challenges and opportunities at this intersection, emerging risks can be identified and trends can be highlighted to provide a clearer picture of the global energy landscape.

Recent analysis

Europe needs a 21st-century containment strategy toward Russia

Dispatches Mar 17, 2026

How the Iran war could trigger a European energy crisis

By Lisa Basquel

Refilling Europe’s depleted gas storage—already a difficult task given the continent’s efforts to stop purchasing Russian gas—is even more difficult now with the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed.
Conflict Economy & Business
Europe needs a 21st-century containment strategy toward Russia

UkraineAlert Mar 17, 2026

The Iran war is good for the Russian economy but bad for Putin’s prestige

By Maksym Beznosiuk, Will Dixon

From Armenia and Syria to Venezuela and Iran, Moscow’s inability since 2022 to aid its allies in times of crisis has seriously damaged Russia’s reputation as a global power, write Maksym Beznosiuk and Will Dixon.
Conflict Geopolitics & Energy Security
Europe needs a 21st-century containment strategy toward Russia

Dispatches Mar 13, 2026

Romania’s drone and energy plans with Ukraine make Europe stronger and more secure

Romanian President Nicușor Dan hosted his Ukrainian counterpart on March 12, underscoring Bucharest’s growing role in regional security.
Drones Geopolitics & Energy Security

Programs

The Global Energy Center develops and promotes pragmatic and nonpartisan policy solutions designed to advance global energy security, enhance economic opportunity, and accelerate pathways to net-zero emissions.

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Events

Online Event Tue, April 7, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

US-Turkish defense relations and the upcoming NATO Summit
Defense Industry Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia Geopolitics & Energy Security
Online Event Tue, March 10, 2026 • 2:00 pm ET

The impact of the Iran conflict on global energy markets
Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran Middle East
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Content

Dispatches

Mar 30, 2026

Europe needs a 21st-century containment strategy toward Russia

By Vytautas Leškevičius, Julia Salabert

Only a policy toward Russia grounded in strength, combined with a refusal to compromise on core principles, can alter the Kremlin’s calculus.

Defense Policy Geopolitics & Energy Security

EnergySource

Mar 30, 2026

Can Europe—finally—turn an energy shock into a path toward energy security?

By Charles Hendry

Europe keeps falling into the same energy trap. It instead needs to recognize its dependence on hydrocarbons and diversify supplies, even as it reduces reliance on them.

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

EnergySource

Mar 30, 2026

The future of energy geopolitics is written in patents

By Andrei Covatariu

While access to fuel is critical for energy security, particularly today, technological innovation will play a central role in the future. This has major implications for Europe.

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

Dispatches

Mar 27, 2026

Ten lessons from the first month of the Iran war

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts identify ten important takeaways from the Iran war so far, covering issues from global energy markets to the Iranian regime.

Conflict Economy & Business

Dispatches

Mar 27, 2026

The Eastern Mediterranean won’t replace Russian or Gulf gas—but it can be Europe’s energy shock absorber

By Hany Ghanem and Chrissy Bishai

Eastern Mediterranean gas will not eliminate Europe’s exposure to global volatility, but it can help reinforce the continent’s resilience on the margins.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

EnergySource

Mar 23, 2026

The Strait of Hormuz crisis will ripple across plastics and food supply chains, helping Beijing and Moscow, hurting Americans

By Joseph Webster and Kate Burnett

The oil and gas blockade in the Strait of Hormuz will tighten petrochemical and fertilizer markets, with geopolitical and economic implications for the United States.

China Energy & Environment

Dispatches

Mar 20, 2026

Oil waivers risk sustaining Russia’s war effort amid the Iran war

By Linas Kojala, Vytautas Leškevičius

Relieving US sanctions on Russian oil would give Moscow a reprieve just as financial pressure was beginning to constrain its room for maneuver in its war against Ukraine.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Dispatches

Mar 20, 2026

Demand destruction has begun: What Sri Lanka reveals about the global energy crisis

By Phillip Cornell

The disruption to oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a systemic shock to energy markets, and Sri Lanka is on the front line.

Conflict Energy & Environment

In the News

Mar 20, 2026

Temnycky in Forbes: Hungary creates rift with EU and Ukraine over Russian energy sanctions

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Economy & Business

In the News

Mar 20, 2026

Cohen in Forbes: Top 5 Russian energy trends to watch in 2026

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia
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Experts

Fellow

Ahmed Aboudouh

Former Nonresident Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic China

Fellow

Shahira Amin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic Economy & Business

Expert

Defne Arslan

Senior Director

Atlantic Council Turkey Program

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Fellow

Marino Auffant

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Staff

Kiran Baez

Program Assistant

Atlantic Council Turkey Program

Central Asia Geopolitics & Energy Security

Staff

Lisa Basquel

Program Assistant, European Energy Security

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia
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Events

Online Event Tue, April 7, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

US-Turkish defense relations and the upcoming NATO Summit
Defense Industry Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia Geopolitics & Energy Security
Public Event Wed, May 13, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

The 2026 Iraq Dialogue
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
Flagship Event Tue, June 9, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

2026 Global Energy Forum

The tenth Global Energy Forum will chart the course for continued innovation, collaboration, and leadership in the global energy transition. 
Africa Americas Climate Change & Climate Action Critical Minerals