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

Wechsler quoted in CNN on Syrian oilfields

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
Wechsler quoted in CNN on Syrian oilfields

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
Wechsler quoted in CNN on Syrian oilfields

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

Global Energy Forum

Jan 12, 2020

Election 2020: What’s at stake for energy policy?

By David L. Goldwyn and Andrea Clabough

As the US presidential election in November 2020 draws nearer, the energy policy platforms—including domestic energy, climate change, foreign, and trade policies—from the Democratic candidates, as well as the energy policies of a potential second Trump Administration, have become increasingly clear. The competing visions of a Republican and a Democratic administration could hardly be more disparate, and industry and external stakeholders should prepare for a volatile outlook regardless of the outcome in November 2020—what are the salient energy policies under the two scenarios and how will they address the deep and entrenched energy challenges that face the United States?

Energy Markets & Governance Energy Transitions

Issue Brief

Jan 12, 2020

European energy diversification: How alternative sources, routes, and clean technologies can bolster energy security and decarbonization

By Richard L. Morningstar, András Simonyi, Olga Khakova, Irina Markina

The European Union’s efforts to achieve a carbon-neutral economy present a unique and timely opportunity to strengthen European energy security. What is the EU currently doing to meet its decarbonization goals, address the role of natural gas in Europe’s low-carbon future, and explain the potential for new gas sources, alternative gas routes, and clean energy technologies to reduce carbon emissions? And how can this be done while simultaneously increasing European energy security and opportunities for transatlantic cooperation?

Energy Markets & Governance Energy Transitions
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Content

In the News

Nov 2, 2019

Wechsler quoted in CNN on Syrian oilfields

By Atlantic Council

Geopolitics & Energy Security Politics & Diplomacy

UkraineAlert

Nov 1, 2019

Is Nord Stream 2 a done deal?

By Melinda Haring

The controversial natural gas pipeline from Russia to Germany—Nord Stream 2—cleared its last obstacle this week.

Energy Markets & Governance Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Oct 31, 2019

Simonyi quoted in Voice of America Russia on Hungary-Russia relations

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Oct 31, 2019

Bryza joins Pakistan’s Indus TV to discuss U.S. military operation to protect oil fields in northeast Syria

By Atlantic Council

Geopolitics & Energy Security National Security

EnergySource

Oct 31, 2019

Amb. Richard L. Morningstar’s address to the 2019 Gas Asia Summit

By Richard L. Morningstar

If the story of the last decade in natural gas has been a production boom, the story of the next decade will be how that production can support Asia’s demand boom. The opportunities are immense—the challenges are as well.

Energy Transitions Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Oct 30, 2019

Bell quoted in Smart Energy International on the new Siemens and the Ponemon Institute report, decarbonization, and vulnerabilities to cyberattacks.

By Atlantic Council

Cybersecurity Energy & Environment

In the News

Oct 29, 2019

Morningstar joins CNBC to discuss stability of Asia’s oil supply

By Atlantic Council

East Asia Energy & Environment

In the News

Oct 24, 2019

Itani quoted in the Petroleum Economist on oil and trouble in the Gulf

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Oct 23, 2019

Morningstar in Kyiv Post: Don’t disrupt support for Ukraine’s energy independence

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security
Road at night

EnergySource

Oct 22, 2019

Don’t let the impeachment inquiry interfere with support for Ukraine’s energy independence

By Richard L. Morningstar

We must not lose sight of the fact that an independent Ukraine has been a basic bipartisan tenet of American foreign policy since it broke away from the Soviet Union almost thirty years ago. Reform of Ukraine’s energy sector has been an integral part of that policy, and we cannot let our current domestic political dynamic disrupt a monumental decision point that will determine the future of that industry.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Oil and Gas
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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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Events

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