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

Ukraine faces its most perilous winter yet

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
Ukraine faces its most perilous winter yet

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
Ukraine faces its most perilous winter yet

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

Dec 6, 2024

Ukraine faces its most perilous winter yet

By Haley Nelson

Ukraine faces its harshest winter yet as temperatures drop, gas stocks dwindle, and its already crumbling energy infrastructure continues to endure Russian missile attacks. Ukraine, with help from its partners, must urgently strengthen defenses of its energy infrastructure, or they risk international financial support being undermined by the continuous onslaught.

Crisis Management Geopolitics & Energy Security

UkraineAlert

Dec 3, 2024

The EU needs a Russia strategy

By Ian Cameron, James Batchik

The new European Commission should prioritize the development of an EU Russia strategy aimed at creating a more forward-thinking, ambitious, and cohesive European approach toward Moscow, write Ian Cameron and James Batchik.

Conflict European Union

In the News

Dec 3, 2024

Shaffer quoted in S&P Global on effectiveness of US Treasury Iran oil sanctions

By Brenda Shaffer

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

EnergySource

Dec 2, 2024

Extend and expand the Nord Stream sanctions now

By Alan Riley

The US Senate is moving toward preserving sanctions on the Gazprom-owned Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which expire at the end of 2024. The Senate must press ahead and extend those sanctions to Nord Stream 1 as well. By doing so, the United States would strengthen Ukraine’s security and Europe’s energy independence. Sign up for PowerPlay, […]

Europe & Eurasia Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Nov 29, 2024

Khakova joins BBC News to discuss Ukraine’s energy crisis amid increasing attacks and freezing temperatures

By Olga Khakova

Geopolitics & Energy Security Infrastructure Protection

New Atlanticist

Nov 27, 2024

The West’s role in solving Central Asia’s water crisis

By Ariel Cohen, Wesley Alexander Hill, and Wilder Alejandro Sánchez

US and Western engagement with Central Asian states on their water crisis can help reduce the region’s dependencies on Moscow and Beijing.

Central Asia Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Nov 24, 2024

Webster cited in the U.S. – China Economic and Security Review Commission’s Annual Report to Congress on China-Russia trade, Taiwan’s energy security, and China’s role in US battery supply chains

By Joseph Webster

China Geopolitics & Energy Security

Balkans Debrief

Nov 19, 2024

Can Serbia’s Lithium Protests Redefine Its Future? | A Debrief with Ivanka Popovic

Resident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare speaks with Ivanka Popovic from ProGlas about Serbia's lithium mining in the Jadar Valley and its economic, political, and social implications.

Democratic Transitions Energy & Environment

Uncategorized

Nov 15, 2024

Cooper featured in the Georgetown Journal of International Affairs on the energy transition

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

In the News

Nov 15, 2024

Tobin quoted in Diálogo Americas on the risks of Chinese influence in Peru’s electricity sector

By William Tobin

China Energy & Environment
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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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