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 in The Diplomat: China and Russia May Be Expanding Natural Gas Cooperation – Just Not Via Power of Siberia 2

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 in The Diplomat: China and Russia May Be Expanding Natural Gas Cooperation – Just Not Via Power of Siberia 2

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 in The Diplomat: China and Russia May Be Expanding Natural Gas Cooperation – Just Not Via Power of Siberia 2

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

Jun 17, 2023

Webster in The Diplomat: China and Russia May Be Expanding Natural Gas Cooperation – Just Not Via Power of Siberia 2
China Energy & Environment

In the News

Jun 16, 2023

Ezrahi quoted in Petroleum Economist on building bridges through energy projects in the Middle East.
Economy & Business Energy & Environment

In the News

Jun 9, 2023

Webster in The China-Russia Report: Central Asia to China Pipeline and the Power of Siberia-2
China Energy & Environment

In the News

Jun 9, 2023

Blakemore joins S&P Global Commodity Insights’ Energy Evolution podcast to discuss today’s battery landscape
China Energy & Environment

Insights & Impact

Jun 8, 2023

Webster in China Observers in Central and Eastern Europe (CHOICE): China Wants the Line D Pipeline. Can Central Asia Deliver?
Central Asia China

UkraineAlert

Jun 7, 2023

Moldova needs an energy overhaul

By Suriya Evans-Pritchard Jayanti

If energy security is national security, then Moldova is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world and is in need of a comprehensive energy sector overall, writes Suriya Evans-Pritchard Jayanti.

Energy Markets & Governance European Union

UkraineAlert

Jun 6, 2023

Is China preparing for a post-Putin Russia?

By Anders Åslund

Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin have famously proclaimed a "friendship without limits" but the Chinese leader may be looking to a post-Putin Russia and cultivating ties with Putin's PM Mikhail Mishustin, writes Anders Åslund.

China Conflict
Air pollution in Shanghai

EnergySource

Jun 6, 2023

Natural gas reduced China’s urban air pollution. Can it be a global climate solution?

By Joseph Webster

Greater uptake of natural gas has helped substantially reduce urban air pollution in Beijing. Ahead of COP28 discussions this year, the United States, China, and other countries should encourage responsible natural gas production as a solution for reducing global emissions and urban air pollution.

China Climate Change & Climate Action

In the News

Jun 6, 2023

Blakemore quoted in S&P Global on alternative battery chemistries
China Energy & Environment

In the News

Jun 4, 2023

Hakimi quoted in Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: The limits Of China’s budding relationship with Afghanistan’s Taliban

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan China
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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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