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

Webster quoted in RFE/RL on the Siberia-2 pipeline

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
Webster quoted in RFE/RL on the Siberia-2 pipeline

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
Webster quoted in RFE/RL on the Siberia-2 pipeline

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

Aug 21, 2024

Webster quoted in RFE/RL on the Siberia-2 pipeline

By Joseph Webster

China East Asia

In the News

Aug 14, 2024

Khakova joins The World to discuss the Nordstream pipeline explosion mystery
Disinformation Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Aug 12, 2024

Shaffer quoted in S&P Global on potential impact of a Trump victory on oil sanctions policy
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

In the News

Aug 12, 2024

Wald joins Bloomberg Surveillance and Bloomberg TV to discuss geopolitical energy risks

By Ellen Wald

Geopolitics & Energy Security Middle East

In the News

Aug 7, 2024

Webster in the China-Russia Report: Oil, wheat, spies, lies
Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

New Atlanticist

Aug 7, 2024

How Armenia’s ‘Crossroads for Peace’ plan could transform the South Caucasus

By Sheila Paylan

The initiative could economically benefit the region, reduce Armenia’s dependence on Russia, and promote peace throughout the South Caucasus.

Crisis Management Economy & Business

UkraineAlert

Aug 1, 2024

Europe can do more to help Ukraine counter Russia’s energy attacks

By Aura Sabadus

Russia has destroyed more than half of Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure with a targeted bombed campaign, leaving Kyiv in desperate need of European support ahead of the coming winter season, writes Aura Sabadus.

Conflict Drones

EnergySource

Jul 31, 2024

Pragmatism can improve Mexico’s energy outlook

By David L. Goldwyn and Antonio Ortiz-Mena

Claudia Sheinbaum's victory in Mexico's presidential election marks a crucial juncture for the country’s energy future. Sheinbaum's initial moves are a promising beginning to maximizing Mexico's economic potential, which requires significant clean energy investment.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

New Atlanticist

Jul 30, 2024

Dispatch from Rio: Can Brazil set up the G20 leaders’ summit for success?

By Ananya Kumar, Mrugank Bhusari

Brasília has sought to acknowledge fundamental disagreements on geopolitics between some members, and then to sidestep them entirely at the ministerial level. How long can this approach last?

Brazil Economy & Business

Balkans Debrief

Jul 30, 2024

#BalkansDebrief – Does the new EU-Serbia lithium deal undermine democracy? A Debrief with Ivan Vejvoda

To discusss the EU's new lithium deal with Serbia, Ivan Vejvoda from the Institute for Human Sciences sits down with Ilva Tare, Nonresident Senior Fellow, for this episode of #BalkansDebrief.

European Union Geopolitics & Energy Security
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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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