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

What von der Leyen’s SOTU speech got right about energy—and where the EU still needs to pivot

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
What von der Leyen’s SOTU speech got right about energy—and where the EU still needs to pivot

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
What von der Leyen’s SOTU speech got right about energy—and where the EU still needs to pivot

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.

learn more

Events

Transcripts

Mar 29, 2022

How Europe can work its way out of today’s energy-supply crisis—and through the energy transition

By Atlantic Council

The energy-supply crisis and the impact of the war in Ukraine have highlighted the urgency to build secure and resilient supply chains and infrastructure.

Climate Change & Climate Action Crisis Management

Transcripts

Mar 29, 2022

After the war in Ukraine: Where Europe’s energy crisis could be headed next

By Atlantic Council

Putin’s aggression can be the impetus for a Ukrainian energy transformation, one that is not reliant on Russian transit fees and instead deeply connected with friendlier European energy markets.

Crisis Management Energy & Environment
Load More

Content

EnergySource

Sep 17, 2026

What von der Leyen’s SOTU speech got right about energy—and where the EU still needs to pivot

By Atlantic Council experts

The EU State of the Union address recognizes important energy system challenges but also leaves details on actions murky.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

MENASource

Sep 16, 2026

Could the GCC and Iran collaborate to solve the Strait of Hormuz crisis?

By Alia Brahimi

A Gulf-led maritime cooperation could break the Hormuz stalemate by offering Iran an off-ramp while preventing unilateral control.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Middle East

UkraineAlert

Sep 8, 2026

Ukrainian drone strikes are disarming Russia’s energy weapon

By Ana Lejava

For years, Russia wielded its energy capacity as a weapon against its neighbors to manipulate, coerce, and control. Ukraine’s strategic bombing campaign is now turning this energy weapon against Moscow itself, writes Ana Lejava.

Central Asia Conflict

EnergySource

Sep 2, 2026

The diesel shock is here. Which US states will be hit the hardest?

By Joseph Webster and Theo Aldrighi

Learn how the Strait of Hormuz closure is affecting states' supply and price of distillate fuel oil.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

EnergySource

Aug 26, 2026

Electricity demand is rising. How can the US secure energy for its dual military and civilian needs?

By Chuck "Chim Chim" Dockery, Wilson RIckerson, Morgan D. Bazilian

US military bases rely on the civilian power grid and are just as vulnerable to blackouts as regular customers. New policies should prioritize supply and resilience for critical missions.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Dispatches

Aug 24, 2026

Experts react: Will Trump’s Operation Economic Outcast isolate Iran?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts weigh in on the US Treasury’s newest measures intended “to sever every remaining economic lifeline sustaining” the Iranian regime.

Conflict Economy & Business

UkraineAlert

Aug 20, 2026

Zelenskyy’s recent Serbia visit was a win for Ukraine and the West

By Stephen Blank

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent visit to Serbia highlighted growing ties between Kyiv and Belgrade while also underlining wartime Ukraine's emergence as an important geopolitical player, writes Stephen Blank.

Conflict Elections

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
Load More

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

Lisa Basquel

Assistant Director

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia
Load More

Events

Online Event Tue, September 22, 2026 • 5:30 pm ET

President Ahmed Al-Sharaa on Syria’s future, reconstruction, and regional role

AN AC FRONT PAGE EVENT—Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa will discuss his vision for Syria’s future and his government’s priorities for reconstruction, economic recovery, and institutional reform.

Economy & Business Energy Markets & Governance Energy Transitions Geopolitics & Energy Security
Public Event Thu, October 8, 2026 • 6:00 pm ET

Sea change: America’s new great game in the Arctic Circle
Defense Policy Defense Technologies Economy & Business Energy & Environment
Public Event Wed, October 14, 2026 • 12:00 pm ET

2026 Energy & Defense Summit
Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security