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

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

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

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

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

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

Insights & Impact

Jun 3, 2023

Ellinas in Cyprus Mail: Cyprus’ energy conundrum
Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

EnergySource

Jun 2, 2023

Central Asia’s clean energy opportunity: Hydropower

By Maxwell Zandi

Central Asia has failed to harness its full hydropower capacity. But greater investments into the region can help unlock much of Central Asia's potential.

Central Asia Energy & Environment

AfricaSource

Jun 2, 2023

Through carbon markets, corporations have a role to play in Africa’s development. They should take it seriously.

By Aubrey Rugo

By purchasing high-quality carbon credits, companies can support the sustainable growth of low- and middle-income populations in the world's fastest-growing regions.

Africa Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Jun 1, 2023

The G7 can take NATO-EU climate cooperation to the next level

By Francis Shin, Rachel Rizzo

There is a strong opportunity for meaningful NATO-EU cooperation by using the Group of Seven as a convening platform for climate change-related discussions.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

UkraineAlert

May 30, 2023

Russia’s new reality: Less Peter the Great, more Putin the Pariah

By Peter Dickinson

The invasion of Ukraine has left Russia greatly diminished on the world stage and earned Putin a place in infamy alongside history’s greatest criminals. Instead of emulating Peter the Great, he has become Putin the Pariah, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Disinformation

Transcript

May 17, 2023

Grant Shapps on UK energy security: ‘We must not be reliant on unreliable partners again’

By Atlantic Council

The UK secretary of state for energy security and net zero outlined his department's plans for implementing the Powering Up Britain package that aims to help the country enhance its energy security and deliver on its net-zero commitments.

Crisis Management Energy & Environment

In the News

May 11, 2023

Arslan joins Bloomberg to discuss the implications of the upcoming Turkish elections
Economy & Business Geopolitics & Energy Security
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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

Lisa Basquel

Assistant Director

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia
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