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

<img decoding="async" src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-03-06T144410Z_1772808247_DPAF260306X99X745383_RTRFIPP_4_ECONOMY-ENERGY-TECHNOLOGY-GAS-ECONOMICSITUATION-INDUSTRY-NATURALGAS-ET-500x350.jpg" alt="The geopolitics of the energy trilemma in South Asia” class=”gta-horizontal-featured–img” />

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
<img decoding="async" src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-03-10T144609Z_689015396_RC2O1KASE4RZ_RTRMADP_3_UKRAINE-CRISIS-RUSSIA-DONETSK-500x350.jpg" alt="The geopolitics of the energy trilemma in South Asia” class=”gta-horizontal-featured–img” />

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
<img decoding="async" src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-03-12T143017Z_45678142_RC223KA981FU_RTRMADP_3_UKRAINE-CRISIS-ROMANIA-2-500x350.jpg" alt="The geopolitics of the energy trilemma in South Asia” class=”gta-horizontal-featured–img” />

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

SouthAsiaSource

Apr 12, 2023

<strong>The geopolitics of the energy trilemma in South Asia</strong>

By Robert F. Ichord, Jr.

South Asian countries are being subjected to the consequences of China and Russia’s efforts to expand their influence in the region. In this complex geopolitical context, expanded US and G7 clean energy efforts are needed.

Bangladesh Climate Change & Climate Action

UkraineAlert

Apr 11, 2023

Ukraine’s energy sector survives winter

By Suriya Evans-Pritchard Jayanti

Vladimir Putin's winter bombing campaign targeting Ukraine's civilian infrastructure failed to achieve its goal of breaking Ukrainian resistance and freezing the country into submission, writes Suriya Evans-Pritchard Jayanti.

Conflict Energy Markets & Governance

UkraineAlert

Apr 11, 2023

Ukraine resumes electricity exports in latest show of wartime resilience

By Aura Sabadus

Ukraine resumed energy exports to Europe in early April. The move confirmed the failure of Russia's six-month energy infrastructure bombing campaign and underlined Ukraine's remarkable wartime resilience, writes Aura Sabadus.

Conflict Energy Transitions

In the News

Apr 11, 2023

Webster quoted in Carbon Brief on Russian crude oil exports to China
China Energy & Environment

In the News

Apr 6, 2023

Wald in The Hill: Stopping America’s LNG exports would hurt producers and send Beijing to Russia’s doorstep
China Energy & Environment

In the News

Apr 6, 2023

Webster quoted in Canary Media on Taiwan’s energy security
Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

Issue Brief

Apr 6, 2023

Accelerating the energy transition to strengthen European energy security: Key barriers to overcome

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

The role of decarbonization in European energy security, the obstacles impeding clean energy development, and the opportunities for transatlantic collaboration towards low-carbon energy security.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

In the News

Apr 5, 2023

Webster in The Diplomat: Could the US block Russian oil exports to China? Yes, but it’s a bad idea
China East Asia

In the News

Apr 4, 2023

Wald joins NPR to discuss the cut in oil production and what it means for US-Saudi relations
Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Apr 4, 2023

Khakova joins BBC World to discuss the US-EU Energy Council
Climate Change & Climate Action 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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