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

Death by cold: Russia is attempting to freeze millions of Ukrainian civilians

EnergySource May 21, 2025

Replace the Inflation Reduction Act with FUEL-AI

By Joseph Webster

To compete in the global AI race, the United States must dramatically expand its power supply. Replacing the Inflation Reduction Act with the FUEL-AI Act would reorient energy policy toward national security, fast-tracking domestic energy production and infrastructure to power America’s AI future.
Energy & Environment Energy Transitions
Death by cold: Russia is attempting to freeze millions of Ukrainian civilians

MENASource May 15, 2025

Feeding the ‘water mafia’: Sanctions relief and Iran’s water crisis

By Nik Kowsar

Trump comments mark the first time a US president acknowledges a “water mafia”: a connected network responsible for ecological catastrophes.
Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment
Death by cold: Russia is attempting to freeze millions of Ukrainian civilians

New Atlanticist Apr 30, 2025

Experts react: At last, the US and Ukraine signed a minerals deal. Here’s what to expect next.

By Atlantic Council experts

After months of wrangling, Washington and Kyiv quietly finalized a much-anticipated agreement on April 30. Atlantic Council experts dig into the details.
Critical Minerals 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

Public Event Wed, May 13, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

The 2026 Iraq Dialogue
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
Flagship Event Tue, June 9, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

2026 Global Energy Forum

The tenth Global Energy Forum will chart the course for continued innovation, collaboration, and leadership in the global energy transition. 
Africa Americas Climate Change & Climate Action Critical Minerals
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Content

UkraineAlert

Feb 7, 2026

Death by cold: Russia is attempting to freeze millions of Ukrainian civilians

By Kristina Hook

Russia is methodically bombing Ukraine's power and heating infrastructure amid arctic weather conditions in a bid to freeze millions of Ukrainian civilians and make much of the country unlivable, writes Kristina Hook.

Conflict Drones

Report

Jan 26, 2026

In Iraq, China’s long game unfolds

By Sardar Aziz and Mohammed A. Salih

As China seeks new markets abroad and energy security at home, Iraq has become integral to Beijing’s plans in the Middle East. Baghdad finds itself caught between its security needs, for which it depends on the United States, and the economic needs of its growing population.

China Energy Markets & Governance

EnergySource

Jan 26, 2026

Davos underscored how leaders are navigating global energy crossroads 

By Lisa Basquel, Elina Carpen, Amy Drake, Alexis Harmon

Amid shifting geopolitical lines, leaders at Davos 2026 articulated their visions for establishing regional and global energy security.

Critical Minerals Energy & Environment

MENASource

Jan 22, 2026

Wang Yi’s MENA tour was long on messaging, short on outcomes

By Jonathan Fulton

Wang worked to position China as a defender of free trade and a reliable partner for the Middle East region.

China Geopolitics & Energy Security

Dispatches

Jan 13, 2026

Greenland’s critical minerals require patient statecraft

By Reed Blakemore, Alexis Harmon

The island’s mineral wealth will take a decade or more to translate into meaningful supply.

Critical Minerals Energy & Environment

Issue Brief

Nov 19, 2025

Carbon markets and climate finance for Ukraine’s recovery

By Ievgeniia Kopytsia and Darka Harnyk

As COP30 unfolds, learn how Ukraine's experience will influence climate finance mechanisms and drive sustainable recovery efforts.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Issue Brief

Nov 19, 2025

Why Ankara’s rising power in the Sahel could benefit the West

By Alp Ozen, Haley Nelson

Turkey offers a rare channel in the Sahel that the West could use to recalibrate its approach to the region.

Africa Energy & Environment

EnergySource

Nov 18, 2025

Operationalizing the National Defense Industrial Strategy for great power competition

By Lt. Col. Jahara "Franky" Matisek and Morgan D. Bazilian

With Russia following China's lead in the rare-earth extraction roadmap, the United States must find solutions to stay competitive on the international stage.

China Energy & Environment

In the News

Nov 8, 2025

Sapuppo in Kyiv Post on Hungarian exemption from US sanctions targeting Russian energy

By Mercedes Sapuppo

On November 8, Mercedes Sappuppo, nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, was quoted in Kyiv Post on the one-year exemption for Hungarian imports of Russian gas.

Energy Markets & Governance English

EnergySource

Nov 5, 2025

Europe’s energy operating system: P-TEC as the North Star in a European maze 

By Michał Kurtyka

The sixth P-TEC ministerial in Athens has an opportunity to accelerate transatlantic efforts to reshape Europe's energy system into one that is pragmatic, innovative, and resilient.

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia
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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

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

Program Assistant, European Energy Security

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Meredith Berger

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security
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Events

Public Event Wed, May 13, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

The 2026 Iraq Dialogue
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
Flagship Event Tue, June 9, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

2026 Global Energy Forum

The tenth Global Energy Forum will chart the course for continued innovation, collaboration, and leadership in the global energy transition. 
Africa Americas Climate Change & Climate Action Critical Minerals