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

Haring and Heilbrunn in Foreign Affairs: Can Ukraine survive the winter?

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
Haring and Heilbrunn in Foreign Affairs: Can Ukraine survive the winter?

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
Haring and Heilbrunn in Foreign Affairs: Can Ukraine survive the winter?

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

In the News

Nov 8, 2023

Haring and Heilbrunn in Foreign Affairs: Can Ukraine survive the winter?

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Oct 31, 2023

Cohen in Forbes: Russia uses new Arctic LNG to dodge energy sanctions

By Atlantic Council

Europe & Eurasia Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Oct 29, 2023

Ellinas in Cyprus Mail: Crunch time for Aphrodite amid Mid East crisis
Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

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
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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

Online Event Wed, August 19, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

Ukraine’s humanitarian crisis under Russia’s summer bombardment
Conflict Europe & Eurasia Geopolitics & Energy Security Resilience & Society