Geopolitics & Energy Security

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

The Danube is running dry, and taking Central Europe’s power supply with it

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
The Danube is running dry, and taking Central Europe’s power supply with it

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
The Danube is running dry, and taking Central Europe’s power supply with it

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

Report

Jan 9, 2020

International grid integration: Efficiencies, vulnerabilities, and strategic implications in Asia

By Phillip Cornell

In order to meet growing global demand for electricity, and in response to an increase in renewables, power networks and markets are evolving and becoming increasingly interconnected. South and Southeast Asia have already had some success with interconnections, and China’s vision and Belt and Road Initiative loom large in the region, but there are geopolitical concerns to contend with. Could a US model manage these concerns? What is the state of regional power markets in Asia and investment in regional grid infrastructure, and what responses are we already seeing to emerging trends?

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy Markets & Governance

Report

Jan 9, 2020

Energy sector diversification: Meeting demographic challenges in the MENA region

By Bina Hussein

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is projected to experience significant demographic growth by 2050, growth which will have to be met with commensurate economic expansion and job opportunities, or the region will risk an increase in political instability. To meet this challenge, countries in the region must diversify their economies beyond the energy sector and expand their energy sector beyond hydrocarbons. What are the key trends that MENA countries will have to contend with, what is already being done, and what further steps should be taken?

Energy Markets & Governance Energy Transitions
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Content

Dispatches

Aug 13, 2026

The Danube is running dry, and taking Central Europe’s power supply with it

By Alex Șerban, Silvian Trandafir

From nuclear power in Romania and Hungary to hydropower in Serbia, the region depends on the major European river to meet its energy needs.

Central Europe Energy & Environment

Dispatches

Aug 12, 2026

Iran is draining its leverage in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump’s best move is to let it happen.

By Landon Derentz

The US goal should be to help construct a global energy system in which Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz matters far less.

Conflict Geopolitics & Energy Security

Issue Brief

Jul 31, 2026

The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is a heavy blow to the deteriorating maritime order

By Elisabeth Braw

Iran’s use of a maritime chokepoint as a geopolitical tool—implemented in response to a war that violates the United Nations Charter—and the United States’ inconsistent response dramatically undermine the global maritime order and open the door for further such closures.

Economy & Business Geopolitics & Energy Security

Dispatches

Jul 29, 2026

How Oman and Europe can open the Strait of Hormuz for good

By Jonathan Panikoff

Muscat should ask the British- and French-led maritime security mission to deploy to the strait within Omani territorial waters.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

TURKEYSource

Jul 24, 2026

Turning to Azerbaijani gas and US LNG, Turkey seeks to break its reliance on Russian energy

By İlker Sezer

Turkeyʼs multifaceted approach to diversifying its gas supplies away from Russia, including by buying from the US and Azerbaijan, may finally be paying off.

Energy & Environment European Union

EnergySource

Jul 15, 2026

Dire straits: No way out of Hormuz

By David L. Goldwyn, Andrea Clabough

With no sign of a lasting breakthrough in the US-Iran war, officials must plan now for an extended energy crisis.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Dispatches

Jul 13, 2026

على رئيس وزراء العراق أن يقنع واشنطن المتشككة بجدوى الشراكة مع بغداد

By Victoria J. Taylor 

Ali al-Zaidi faces an administration that is prepared to walk away from the relationship if it is not satisfied that it delivers for the US.

Arabic Geopolitics & Energy Security

Dispatches

Jul 11, 2026

Iraq’s new prime minister must sell Iraq to a skeptical Washington

By Victoria J. Taylor 

Ali al-Zaidi faces an administration that is prepared to walk away from the relationship if it is not satisfied that it delivers for the US.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

EnergySource

Jul 9, 2026

Five lessons from the oil market shock

By Ben Cahill

The past four months of the Hormuz crisis have surprised energy analysts. Taking stock of the impacts hints at structural changes to come.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

EnergySource

Jul 8, 2026

The US paper fleet: The Jones Act and the 2026 Iran war stress test

By Morgan D. Bazilian, Jahara Matisek, Alex Gilbert, and Jamie Webster

The Hormuz crisis demonstrates that the Jones Act is no longer fit for purpose. It's time to update US maritime policy starting with the elimination of the domestic build rule.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance
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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

Yesar Al-Maleki

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Geopolitics & Energy Security

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
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