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

Khakova quoted in The Washington Times on Russian oil

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
Khakova quoted in The Washington Times on Russian oil

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
Khakova quoted in The Washington Times on Russian oil

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

Global Energy Forum

Jan 12, 2020

Election 2020: What’s at stake for energy policy?

By David L. Goldwyn and Andrea Clabough

As the US presidential election in November 2020 draws nearer, the energy policy platforms—including domestic energy, climate change, foreign, and trade policies—from the Democratic candidates, as well as the energy policies of a potential second Trump Administration, have become increasingly clear. The competing visions of a Republican and a Democratic administration could hardly be more disparate, and industry and external stakeholders should prepare for a volatile outlook regardless of the outcome in November 2020—what are the salient energy policies under the two scenarios and how will they address the deep and entrenched energy challenges that face the United States?

Energy Markets & Governance Energy Transitions

Issue Brief

Jan 12, 2020

European energy diversification: How alternative sources, routes, and clean technologies can bolster energy security and decarbonization

By Richard L. Morningstar, András Simonyi, Olga Khakova, Irina Markina

The European Union’s efforts to achieve a carbon-neutral economy present a unique and timely opportunity to strengthen European energy security. What is the EU currently doing to meet its decarbonization goals, address the role of natural gas in Europe’s low-carbon future, and explain the potential for new gas sources, alternative gas routes, and clean energy technologies to reduce carbon emissions? And how can this be done while simultaneously increasing European energy security and opportunities for transatlantic cooperation?

Energy Markets & Governance Energy Transitions
Load More

Content

In the News

Mar 29, 2023

Khakova quoted in The Washington Times on Russian oil
Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

EnergySource

Mar 28, 2023

Country spotlight: Unlocking a high-energy future for Zambia

By Maia Sparkman, William Tobin

Smart private sector investment in Zambia could drive a high-energy, high-growth future as the country reforms. This could make Zambia a model for neighboring countries looking to advance their own energy transformations.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

In the News

Mar 23, 2023

Webster quoted in Axios on Russia-China relations
China Energy & Environment

In the News

Mar 22, 2023

Brown quoted in the Wall Street Journal on European gas
Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Mar 21, 2023

Wald joins Bloomberg Surveillance to discuss global oil demand
Americas Energy & Environment

Event Recap

Mar 20, 2023

PUBLIC EVENT STREAM: Decarbonization solutions for addressing Europe’s green industrial policy challenge

By Transform Europe Initiative

The Atlantic Council, the German Council on Foreign Relations, and Groupe d'études géopolitiques were honored to host "Decarbonization solutions for addressing Europe's green industrial policy challenge," a high-level workshop on decarbonization with Laurence Boone, Secretary of State for European Affairs at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, among others.

Energy Markets & Governance European Union

In the News

Mar 19, 2023

Ellinas in Cyprus Mail: The gas needs of Cyprus
Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Mar 18, 2023

Sullivan quoted in VOA News on the impact of the war in Ukraine on Egypt
Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

MENASource

Mar 17, 2023

How the war in Iraq changed the world—and what change could come next

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts break down how this conflict has transformed not only military operations and strategy, but also diplomacy, intelligence, national security, energy security, economic statecraft, and much more.

Climate Change & Climate Action Conflict

In the News

Mar 15, 2023

Evans-Pritchard Jayanti in Time: Russia is vital to the clean energy transition. That’s a problem.

By Atlantic Council

Eastern Europe Energy Transitions
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

Events

Flagship Event Tue, June 9, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

2026 Global Energy Forum

The tenth Global Energy Forum will chart the course for continued innovation, collaboration, and leadership in the global energy transition. 
Africa Americas Climate Change & Climate Action Critical Minerals