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 joins DW Russian to discuss Ulaanbaatar’s dependence on Russian energy resources

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 joins DW Russian to discuss Ulaanbaatar’s dependence on Russian energy resources

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 joins DW Russian to discuss Ulaanbaatar’s dependence on Russian energy resources

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

In the News

Sep 3, 2024

Webster joins DW Russian to discuss Ulaanbaatar’s dependence on Russian energy resources

By Joseph Webster

East Asia Energy & Environment

EnergySource

Aug 29, 2024

The US government should build a Resilient Resource Reserve for wartime and peacetime

By Gregory Wischer and Morgan Bazilian

China currently dominates critical mineral supply chains, putting American security needs at risk. Congress should both incentivize domestic mineral production and mitigate supply disruptions to the US military in a potential conflict with China by building a physical stockpile of strategic minerals that would last for five years.

China Critical Minerals

In the News

Aug 28, 2024

Webster quoted in Carbon Brief on US tariffs on Chinese EVs

By Joseph Webster

China Energy & Environment

In the News

Aug 26, 2024

Webster featured in Wall Street Journal on Canadian tariffs on Chinese EVs

By Joseph Webster

China Energy & Environment

In the News

Aug 24, 2024

Katz joins The Prode to discuss Russia-Iran relations

By Atlantic Council

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

In the News

Aug 22, 2024

Webster quoted in Energy Intelligence on Iran’s oil exports

By Joseph Webster

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Geopolitics & Energy Security

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
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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

Online Event Wed, August 19, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

Ukraine’s humanitarian crisis under Russia’s summer bombardment
Conflict Europe & Eurasia Geopolitics & Energy Security Resilience & Society