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 Guardian on Chinese and Russian interdependence

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 Guardian on Chinese and Russian interdependence

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 Guardian on Chinese and Russian interdependence

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 18, 2023

Webster quoted in The Guardian on Chinese and Russian interdependence
China Energy & Environment

In the News

Oct 17, 2023

Shaffer in The Central Asia – Caucasus Analyst: A New Spring for Caspian Transit and Trade
Central Asia Energy & Environment

In the News

Oct 16, 2023

Elnagdy in The National Interest: Is South America A New Persian Gulf?

By Atlantic Council

Climate Change & Climate Action Economy & Business

Report

Oct 16, 2023

How to strike a grand bargain on EU nuclear energy policy

By Ben Judah, Rachel Rizzo, Théophile Pouget-Abadie, Jonah Allen, Francis Shin

The EU currently faces an internal dispute over nuclear energy. To resolve this, the EU must commit to allowing each member to pursue its own energy mix, recognize nuclear energy as a crucial part of Europe’s existing energy mix, and adopting a technology-neutral approach to the implementation of the GDIP and NZIA.

Energy Markets & Governance European Union

EnergySource

Oct 16, 2023

Policy memo: How to deepen transatlantic energy and climate cooperation at the US-EU summit

By George Frampton, Olga Khakova, Joseph Webster, Paddy Ryan, Maia Sparkman, William Tobin

With the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel visiting Washington on October 20, 2023, all eyes will be on the Rose Garden to see how the US and EU can chart a course on energy security and climate action.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Oct 15, 2023

Webster quoted in Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on the intensifying energy dialogue between Russia and China
China Economy & Business

In the News

Oct 15, 2023

Ellinas in Cyprus Mail: Energy security in the East Med
Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Oct 14, 2023

Webster quoted in the AFP wire service on Russia’s dependency on China
China Energy & Environment
Muscat desert sunset

EnergySource

Oct 13, 2023

COP28 and the growing Europe-MENA hydrogen connection

By Giampaolo Cantini

A key piece of the COP28 plan to double global hydrogen production by 2030 will be connecting hydrogen-hungry Europe to the potential green hydrogen powerhouse of the MENA region.

Africa Energy & Environment

UkraineAlert

Oct 12, 2023

The West must learn hard lessons from years of failed Russia policies

By Kira Rudik

If Russia is able to achieve even a partial victory in Ukraine, the consequences for global security would be catastrophic. Western leaders must escalate their support for Ukraine to prevent this outcome and make sure Putin’s invasion ends in decisive defeat, writes Kira Rudik.

Conflict Corruption
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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