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

Kroenig quoted in The Hill on Trump-Xi Meeting

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
Kroenig quoted in The Hill on Trump-Xi Meeting

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
Kroenig quoted in The Hill on Trump-Xi Meeting

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

In the News

Oct 29, 2025

Kroenig quoted in The Hill on Trump-Xi Meeting

On October 29, Matthew Kroenig, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director, was quoted in The Hill on President Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He argued a more comprehensive economic strategy for China is needed beyond short-term summit talks.

China Geopolitics & Energy Security

MENASource

Oct 28, 2025

US energy firms are returning to Iraq—but politics could undo their fortunes

By Raad Alkadiri

Al-Sudani's rush to sign deals with US firms over the past few months is fundamentally about political survival, both his own and Iraq’s.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Oct 28, 2025

Taylor quoted in American University article on the geopolitics of Kurdistan’s gas

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Oct 28, 2025

Taylor quoted in the Kurdistan Chronicle on Kurdistan’s natural gas reserves

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

TURKEYSource

Oct 28, 2025

Working within a ‘Central Asia Quartet’ can strengthen US ties in the region. The foundations for it have already been laid.

By Kiran Baez

To strengthen their ties to Central Asia, the United States, Turkey, Japan, and South Korea should work together on their engagement with the region.

Central Asia Geopolitics & Energy Security

EnergySource

Oct 23, 2025

How the new US sanctions on Russian oil will impact energy markets

By Andrea Clabough, David L. Goldwyn, Ellen Wald, Andrei Covatariu

US sanctions on Russian oil and gas producers could have major implications for energy markets, but their impact depends on multiple factors.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Report

Oct 23, 2025

Why Washington should pay attention to Turkey’s presence in Central Asia

By Kiran Baez

Understanding Turkey's presence in Central Asia its implication for US foreign policy objectives in the region.

Central Asia European Union

UkraineAlert

Oct 16, 2025

Ukraine’s drone sanctions are working but don’t expect a Russian revolt

By Christopher Isajiw

Ukraine's long-range drone strike campaign has brought Putin's invasion home to Russia but mounting domestic problems are unlikely to spark a rebellion against the Kremlin dictatorship, writes Christopher Isajiw.

Conflict Drones

EnergySource

Oct 15, 2025

Solving the US military’s gallium dilemma requires turning trash into treasure

By Macdonald Amoah, Morgan D. Bazilian, Lt. Col. Jahara "Franky" Matisek, and Col. Katrina Schweiker

The metal gallium plays an outsized role in US war readiness—and China controls most of its supply. As geopolitical competition deepens, the United States needs a new playbook to fix this vulnerability.

China Critical Minerals

Report

Oct 14, 2025

Responsible stewardship models can transform Africa’s mineral wealth into prosperity

By Mamadou Fall Kane

As investors race to secure access to Africa’s supplies of critical minerals, African nations should invest some of the proceeds in sovereign wealth funds that can manage mineral revenue transparently, protect African economies from price volatility, and secure the benefits of finite resources in a sustainable way.

Africa Critical Minerals
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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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