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

From Vilnius to Warsaw: How to Advance Three Seas Goals Between Summits

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
From Vilnius to Warsaw: How to Advance Three Seas Goals Between Summits

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
From Vilnius to Warsaw: How to Advance Three Seas Goals Between Summits

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

May 23, 2024

From Vilnius to Warsaw: How to Advance Three Seas Goals Between Summits

By Olga Khakova

To define regional goals of digital, transport, and energy integration, the leaders of the Three Seas Initiative member states and partners meet annually. But to make real progress toward these goals, they must now create a secretariat to coordinate and act on challenges throughout the year.

Central Europe Eastern Europe

EnergySource

May 23, 2024

Without tariffs, the EU faces a flood of Chinese imports of the ‘new three’

By Joseph Webster

Europe faces a surge in Chinese cleantech imports following recent US tariffs. This should prompt Brussels to selectively impose its own tariffs while also strengthening domestic industries to protect its economic and strategic interests.

Central Europe China
Oil derricks in Siberia

Russia Tomorrow

May 23, 2024

Oil, gas, and war: The effect of sanctions on the Russian energy industry

By Vladimir Milov

A new Atlantic Council report explores the effect of sanctions on Russia's energy industry. Are oil and gas still Putin's lifeline?

Europe & Eurasia Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

TURKEYSource

May 22, 2024

There’s an alternative to Russian-based trade routes—but it needs support from the US, EU, and Turkey

By Arnold C. Dupuy

The Middle Corridor can offer an alternative to the Russian-based Northern Corridor, as long as countries can surmount these remaining challenges.

Central Asia Economy & Business

In the News

May 21, 2024

Webster quoted in the Financial Times, CNN, AFP, and Yahoo News on US-China tariffs
China Energy & Environment

In the News

May 14, 2024

Garlauskas, Webster, and Verges quoted in The Economist on article on China’s support for Russia
China Energy & Environment

In the News

May 14, 2024

Report by Joseph Webster featured in the New York Times and Axios on US tariffs on Chinese batteries
China Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

May 14, 2024

What to know about Biden’s new tariffs on Chinese EVs, solar cells, and more

By Atlantic Council experts

The Biden administration has imposed new tariffs on imports from China across a range of strategic industries. Atlantic Council experts dig into the details.

China Economy & Business

EnergySource

May 13, 2024

What US tariffs on Chinese batteries mean for decarbonization—and Taiwan

By Joseph Webster

In response to Beijing’s attempts to cement its dominant position across the “new three” technologies of solar photovoltaics (PVs), electric vehicles (EVs), and batteries, the Biden administration is poised to issue tariffs on key Chinese products. A look at China’s battery exports, and its associated battery complex, reveals both opportunities and risks for US and allied […]

China Energy Transitions

In the News

May 10, 2024

Wald joins Bloomberg Surveillance to discuss the oil slowdown
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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