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

Evaluating Western Sanctions on Russia

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
Evaluating Western Sanctions on Russia

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
Evaluating Western Sanctions on Russia

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

Report

Dec 6, 2016

Evaluating Western Sanctions on Russia

By Sergey Aleksashenko

It has been more than two years since the European Union (EU) and the United States imposed economic sanctions on Russia for its aggression in Ukraine. For some of the measures that is time enough to evaluate effectiveness. “The sanctions’ greatest achievement is that they have been an important demonstration of transatlantic unity. Still, there […]

Conflict Defense Policy

Issue Brief

Sep 29, 2016

Sino-Russian strategic energy ties

By Miyeon Oh

A secure energy relationship between China and Russia could have profound geopolitical effects in Asia, as well as in Europe. The ramifications of this relationship could alter the role and influence of the United States in Asia.

China Energy & Environment

Report

Aug 24, 2016

Completing Europe: Gas interconnections in Central and Southeastern Europe—an update

By John Roberts

What has been the progress made in the development of gas interconnectors, the single most important element in the creation of an effective energy union and in assuring energy security for Europe?

Central Europe Energy & Environment

Report

Aug 1, 2016

Hydrocarbon developments in the Eastern Mediterranean

By Charles Ellinas, with John Roberts and Harry Tzimitras

The Eastern Mediterranean’s hydrocarbon discoveries have massive consequences for the region, even though when considered on a global scale they are relatively small. What are the the technical and geopolitical obstacles to and opportunities for creating a vibrant hydrocarbon market in the Eastern Mediterranean?

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Issue Brief

Apr 4, 2016

Securing Ukraine’s energy sector

By Anders Åslund

2015 brought important reforms to Ukraine, particularly in the energy sector. What are the the promises kept and broken by the Post-Maidan government in Ukraine?

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Event Recap

Mar 18, 2016

The Cyprus Settlement and Eastern Mediterranean Hydrocarbon Export Scenarios

By Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center

The Cyprus Settlement and Eastern Mediterranean Hydrocarbon Export Scenarios

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

Report

Jan 20, 2016

Surging liquefied natural gas trade: How US exports will benefit European and global gas supply diversity, competition, and security

By Bud Coote

The EU's move toward a freer energy market and a global shift toward gas by climate-conscious consumers are likely to help fuel growing demand for US liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the coming years

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

Issue Brief

Nov 24, 2015

Nordstream 2: Too many obstacles, legal, economic, and political to be delivered?

By Alan Riley

While Nordstream 2 may once have seemed a politically and economically viable project, the Ukraine crisis has so altered the landscape that Gazprom may have taken on a project that is undeliverable.

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

Issue Brief

Oct 13, 2015

Crude oil for natural gas: Prospects for Iran-Saudi reconciliation

By Jean-Francois Seznec

Despite the sectarian barbs traded between Saudi Arabia and Iran, Iran's unique ability to meet the kingdom's fast growing demand for electricity may help spur a reconciliation, and the two dominant energy producers do not necessarily need to see their energy production as competition.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Issue Brief

Sep 10, 2015

Energy sanctions and Russia: What comes next?

By Adnan Vatansever

The West has responded to the Kremlin's increasingly bellicose policy in the former Soviet space by imposing punitive measures against Russia's energy sector. The immediate impact of such measures appears limited as neither oil nor gas flowing from Russia is expected to suffer right away. However, the sanctions' long-term implications may prove more important.

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

Lisa Basquel

Assistant Director

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia
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