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 The Wire China on the limits of a China-Russia partnership

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 The Wire China on the limits of a China-Russia partnership

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 The Wire China on the limits of a China-Russia partnership

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

Oct 29, 2023

Webster quoted in The Wire China on the limits of a China-Russia partnership
China Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Oct 26, 2023

What to make of China’s latest restrictions on critical mineral exports

By Reed Blakemore

Beijing's export restrictions on graphite, gallium, and germanium are examples of how China is wielding its "resource leverage."

China Critical Minerals

In the News

Oct 26, 2023

Derentz joins CNA to discuss energy markets and his expectations for COP28
East Asia Energy & Environment

In the News

Oct 25, 2023

Grigas on the Baltic Ways podcast on the future of European energy

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Oct 24, 2023

Derentz joins CNBC to discuss the energy market in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war
Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security
Tsuruga Nuclear Power Plant in Japan

EnergySource

Oct 23, 2023

Atoms for Peace 2.0: The case for a stronger US-Japan nuclear power alliance

By Julia Nesheiwat and Shoichi Itoh

Against the backdrop of Russian and Chinese-induced geopolitical instability, Tokyo and Washington should redouble commitments to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

China Energy & Environment

In the News

Oct 22, 2023

Ellinas in Financial Mirror: Green future needs natural gas
Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

In the News

Oct 21, 2023

Ellinas in Financial Mirror: Supply shortage, conflicts keep oil prices high
China Climate Change & Climate Action

In the News

Oct 20, 2023

Clabough in Nature Energy: A transatlantic energy security strategy must also be a sustainable one
Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Oct 20, 2023

Goldwyn was quoted in World Ports on Venezuelan oil sanctions relief
Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance
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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

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