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 AFP wire service on Russia’s dependency on China

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 AFP wire service on Russia’s dependency on China

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 AFP wire service on Russia’s dependency on China

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.

learn more

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
Load More

Content

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

In the News

Oct 12, 2023

Wald was quoted in Bloomberg’s Surveillance on the state of the US brokered Israel-Saudi deal
Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Oct 11, 2023

Shaffer quoted in Foreign Policy on political implications of energy insecurity in Israel-Hamas War
Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Oct 11, 2023

Webster quoted in The New York Times on the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline
China Energy & Environment

EnergySource

Oct 11, 2023

A Ukrainian energy hub will help Europe’s clean transition

By Mark Temnycky

Ukraine can become an energy and minerals hub for European. Investing in Ukraine's renewable energy industry is vital for European decarbonization.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

EnergySource

Oct 10, 2023

The case for investing in Ukraine’s energy future

By Mark Temnycky

Despite uncertainty over when the war will end and corruption in Ukraine, international investors should see Ukraine’s energy reconstruction as an opportunity to create a European energy leader.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

In the News

Oct 10, 2023

Novak quoted in Sydney Morning Herald on developing Timor-Leste—PRC partnership

On October 9, IPSI nonresident fellow Parker Novak was quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald on the signing of a new Comprehensive Strategic Framework agreement between Timor-Leste and the PRC. Novak explained that the agreement was not a surprise, and in fact “codifies a lot of things that were already happening between the two countries […]

Australia China

In the News

Oct 9, 2023

Wald joins Bloomberg Surveillance to discuss the oil markets in the wake of Hamas’ attack on Israel
Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security
Load More

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
Load More