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

Chinese refining markets 101—and their implications for price caps 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
Chinese refining markets 101—and their implications for price caps 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
Chinese refining markets 101—and their implications for price caps 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.

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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

EnergySource

Mar 8, 2023

Chinese refining markets 101—and their implications for price caps on Russian oil

By Joseph Webster

Price caps on Russian crude and oil products have placed Chinese refineries in the spotlight. Their historical tendencies and political connections could shed light on what to expect from them as the oil market reorients itself.

China Energy & Environment

EnergySource

Mar 6, 2023

Beauty and the beast: Implications of the US-China tech war on climate and energy

By Jennifer Lee

US-China tech tensions could have ripple effects on decarbonization efforts. Tech competition could provide benefits, but if left unmitigated, it could also hinder both countries' energy transitions.

China Energy & Environment

In the News

Mar 6, 2023

Ellinas in Cyprus Mail: Aphrodite low on list of Chevron’s gas plans for East Med
Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Mar 1, 2023

Webster in China-Russia Report: Will Beijing support Putin via Lukashenko?
China Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Feb 28, 2023

Webster in Eurasianet: China wants the Line D pipeline. Can Central Asia deliver?
Central Asia China

In the News

Feb 28, 2023

Khakova in Barron’s: Europe blunted Russia’s energy weapon this winter. Can it succeed twice?
Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Feb 28, 2023

Goldwyn joins NPR to discuss the impact of the war in Ukraine on global oil markets
Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Feb 27, 2023

Goldwyn in Hellenic Shipping News: Biden faces ‘no good options’ to keep gasoline prices in check
Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Feb 19, 2023

Webster in the China-Russia Report: Beijing backed Moscow in oil markets in 2022, at seemingly great cost
China Energy & Environment

In the News

Feb 18, 2023

Wald quoted in The Eastern Herald on Russian oil sanctions
Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia
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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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