Geopolitics & Energy Security

Despite panicked markets, Israel is unlikely to attack Iranian oil facilities

By Ellen Wald

Israeli officials have promised “significant retaliation” in response to Iran’s October 1 attack and have hinted that they could target Iran’s oil infrastructure. However, the likelihood of such an attack is quite low due to several technical, economic, and geopolitical factors.

Attention to market realities are key to a successful COP29

By Robert Cekuta

Increasing funds for addressing climate and energy needs in developing countries is a COP29 priority. But it is important to remember that market conditions in recipient countries are critical in determining the success of such efforts.

If the Middle East conflict gets worse, don’t hesitate to tap the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve

By Joseph Webster

While reserve inventories are at their lowest absolute levels in decades, the stockpile is very well-placed to meet its mission due to increased US oil production.

German Galushchenko on why the development of renewables is a matter of national security for Ukraine

The Ukrainian energy minister spoke at the Atlantic Council's Regional Conference on Clean and Secure Energy about how regional cooperation has been a "lifeline" for his country's energy system.

A new European Commission faces three key issues at the heart of the clean energy transition

By Michał Kurtyka

As the European Commission takes shape, it faces three critical issues that it must address to meet energy demand and restore Europe’s climate credibility: inadequate funding for the green transition, dependence on foreign energy imports, and declining economic competitiveness. The EU must take bold action to survive in a changing world.

Treating the green transition like the geopolitical imperative it is

By Carol Schaeffer

Policymakers should adopt a NATO-style approach to long-term decarbonization and work to boost the green economies of the United States and the EU together.

China’s cleantech growth strategy sets its sights on Brazil

By Joseph Webster, William Tobin

China is relying on cleantech exports to help drive economic growth, but with the United States and other developed nations becoming increasingly hesitant to purchase Chinese imports, China’s cleantech sectors need to search for alternative markets. Brazil has emerged as a potential top buyer, but it must walk a fine line to avoid becoming overly dependent on China.

Russia’s war on Ukraine: Moscow’s pressure points and US strategic opportunities

By Ariel Cohen

A new Atlantic Council report explores Russia’s modern day domestic and international vulnerabilities.