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

European energy security requires stronger power grids

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
European energy security requires stronger power grids

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
European energy security requires stronger power grids

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

Jul 24, 2024

European energy security requires stronger power grids

By Andrei Covatariu

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the urgency of strengthening Europe's power grid to meet the interrelated demands of energy security and decarbonization. Europe can build a resilient energy future by improving regional connectivity, increasing digitalization, investing in grid infrastructure, and reforming unwieldy regulations.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

In the News

Jul 16, 2024

Webster quoted in Recharge on Chinese wind turbine factory in Saudi Arabia
China Geopolitics & Energy Security

New Atlanticist

Jul 9, 2024

NATO needs a strategy to address Russia’s Arctic expansion

By David Babikian and Julia Nesheiwat

The Washington summit this week provides the perfect moment for the Alliance to forge an even more unified approach to the future of security in the High North. 

Geopolitics & Energy Security Maritime Security

In the News

Jul 8, 2024

Webster in the China-Russia Report: China may produce drones for Russia
Arms Control Central Asia

In the News

Jul 4, 2024

Webster joins CNBC Asia’s SquawkBox to discuss EU tariffs on Chinese EV imports
China Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Jul 3, 2024

Webster featured in RadioFreeEurope on Eurasian ambitions at the SCO and Chinese indirect trade
China East Asia

Issue Brief

Jul 3, 2024

Caspian contributions to energy security in Europe

By John M. Roberts and Julian Bowden

This issue brief explores the potential for Caspian region fossil fuel developments to meet Europe's energy needs, considering regional factors and challenges.

Central Asia Europe & Eurasia
Taiwan's landmark building Taipei 101

Report

Jul 2, 2024

Strengthening Taiwan’s resiliency

By Franklin D. Kramer, Philip W. Yu, Joseph Webster, Elizabeth Sizeland

Resilience is a nation’s ability to understand, address, respond to, and recover from any type of national security risk. Given the scale of risk Taiwan faces from mainland China, domestic resilience should be front and center in Taiwan’s national security strategy, encompassing areas such as cybersecurity, energy security, and defense resilience.

China Crisis Management

In the News

Jun 29, 2024

Webster joins The Telegraph’s Ukraine: The Latest to discuss how Chinese exports are facilitating Russia’s war efforts
Central Asia China

Uncategorized

Jun 25, 2024

Webster quoted in iNews on Chinese railway construction to Europe as China-Russia trade sanctions tighten
Central Asia China
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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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