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

Roberts quoted in Trend News Agency on the Trans-Caspian gas project

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
Roberts quoted in Trend News Agency on the Trans-Caspian gas project

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
Roberts quoted in Trend News Agency on the Trans-Caspian gas project

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

Aug 15, 2023

Roberts quoted in Trend News Agency on the Trans-Caspian gas project
Eastern Europe Energy & Environment

In the News

Aug 15, 2023

Webster in The Diplomat: Will a China-Led Global Recession Influence Beijing’s Russia Policy
Economy & Business Energy & Environment

TURKEYSource

Aug 14, 2023

The United States can’t offset its rivals in Central Asia alone. Turkey can help.

By Ali Mammadov

Turkey is well-positioned to counter US rivals in Central Asia by expanding its influence and diversifying the region's partners.

Central Asia Geopolitics & Energy Security
Aerial photograph of an oil tanker

EnergySource

Aug 14, 2023

The IRA is strengthening the United States as a low-emission oil and gas superpower

By Joseph Webster

The lRA not only strengthens US leadership in global decarbonization efforts—it also makes the United States an even more powerful actor in oil and gas geopolitics.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

UkraineAlert

Aug 12, 2023

Winter is coming: Is Ukraine’s power grid ready for new Russian attacks?

By Suriya Evans-Pritchard Jayanti

Last winter, Russia launched a six-month bombing campaign to methodically destroy Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure. With a new winter heating season now fast approaching, is Ukraine prepared for a repeat?

Conflict Energy Transitions

In the News

Aug 7, 2023

Khakova quoted in Axios on risks for oil supply in Russia-Ukraine conflict due to Black Sea strike
Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security
The U.S. Capitol

EnergySource

Aug 7, 2023

A year after the IRA, industrial policy has gone global. Now what?

By David L. Goldwyn, Andrea Clabough

The domestic impacts of the IRA are undeniable. It is less certain what it means for the global energy transition. One year later, officials must prioritize opportunities to align with like-minded allies overseas.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

In the News

Aug 4, 2023

Derentz quoted in Politico on Biden administration’s oil and gas deals
China Eastern Europe

Issue Brief

Aug 2, 2023

Transforming Ukraine into a European energy hub

By Richard L. Morningstar, András Simonyi, Olga Khakova, Paddy Ryan

In this issue brief, Global Energy Center experts explore the potential for Ukraine’s energy sector to strengthen European energy security and decarbonization objectives. The brief explores how Ukraine can reform its energy sector to attract investment and create new revenue streams, and how transatlantic partners in government and the private sector can support Ukraine’s clean energy transformation.

Critical Minerals Eastern Europe

New Atlanticist

Jul 27, 2023

There’s something odd about where China is building solar power

By Joseph Webster

Beijing’s solar deployment has been wasteful from an economic and environmental perspective, but the shape of its solar build may be influenced in part by security considerations.

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

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