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

Jet fuel, China, and lanthanum: a hidden risk to US military power projection

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
Jet fuel, China, and lanthanum: a hidden risk to US military power projection

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
Jet fuel, China, and lanthanum: a hidden risk to US military power projection

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

EnergySource

Sep 15, 2025

Jet fuel, China, and lanthanum: a hidden risk to US military power projection

By Macdonald Amoah, Morgan Bazilian, and Jahara Matisek

The making of jet fuel for military use depends on the rare earth element lanthanum. With China in control of most of the element's supply, the United States must prepare for potential supply disruptions.

China Energy & Environment

EnergySource

Sep 11, 2025

What von der Leyen’s call to ‘fight’ means for European energy and climate goals 

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts provide their take on von der Leyen's vision for energy as laid out in her State of the Union speech.

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

Sep 5, 2025

Why China and Russia are unlikely to move the Power of Siberia-2 pipeline forward

By Joseph Webster, Landon Derentz

While questions remain over the mega pipeline project, Russia has already secured significant export volumes via smaller projects, largely from Chinese buyers.

China Economy & Business

UkraineAlert

Sep 4, 2025

Ukrainian bombing campaign turns Russia’s sheer size into a weakness

By David Kirichenko 

For centuries, Russia’s sheer size has been its greatest asset. Ukraine now intends to transform this vastness into a weakness with a long-range bombing campaign targeting Putin's economically vital but vulnerable energy industry, writes David Kirichenko.

Conflict Drones

EnergySource

Sep 4, 2025

The China-Russia natural gas deal is a distraction from LNG sanctions evasion

By Olga Khakova

The announcement of a China-Russia natural gas pipeline deal is attention-grabbing geopolitical theater. The United States should instead be focused on curbing Russia's evasion of LNG sanctions.

China Energy & Environment

UkraineAlert

Sep 2, 2025

Hungary has alternative energy options but chooses to rely on Russia

By Aura Sabadus

Ukraine’s recent strikes on the Kremlin's Druzhba oil pipeline are not only an attack on Russia’s war economy. They are also a wake-up call for Hungarians highlighting the role being played by their country in the funding of Russia’s invasion, writes Aura Sabadus.

Conflict Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Issue Brief

Sep 2, 2025

Leveraging Beijing’s playbook to fortify DFC for global competition

By Caroline Costello

A close look at Chinese development lending practices reveals lessons for the United States on why Chinese deals succeed—and fail—and how the United States should reform its own institutions.

Africa China

EnergySource

Aug 14, 2025

US military readiness in the Pacific requires strengthening Guam’s power grid

By Emma Sampson

Guam’s energy system, already under strain, faces new operational demands. To ensure mission readiness, the Department of Defense must fortify Guam’s energy infrastructure against cyber, natural, and kinetic threats.

Energy & Environment English

EnergySource

Aug 6, 2025

Energy is key to Romania’s trade resilience

By Uliana Certan

While the new US-EU trade agreement may pose economic risks for Romania, it also presents a strategic opportunity to stabilize its economy by leveraging its unique energy profile.

Central Europe Eastern Europe

New Atlanticist

Aug 5, 2025

A tale of two supply chains: Comparing Trump’s new copper tariffs and rare earth investments

By Alexis Harmon, Reed Blakemore

Two recent interventions by the Trump administration highlight the importance of tailoring mineral policy on a case-by-case basis.

Critical Minerals Economy & Business
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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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