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

The Eastern Mediterranean won’t replace Russian or Gulf gas—but it can be Europe’s energy shock absorber

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
The Eastern Mediterranean won’t replace Russian or Gulf gas—but it can be Europe’s energy shock absorber

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
The Eastern Mediterranean won’t replace Russian or Gulf gas—but it can be Europe’s energy shock absorber

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

Public Event Wed, October 14, 2026 • 12:00 pm ET

2026 Energy & Defense Summit
Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security
Online Event Wed, August 19, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

Ukraine’s humanitarian crisis under Russia’s summer bombardment
Conflict Europe & Eurasia Geopolitics & Energy Security Resilience & Society
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Content

Dispatches

Mar 27, 2026

The Eastern Mediterranean won’t replace Russian or Gulf gas—but it can be Europe’s energy shock absorber

By Hany Ghanem and Chrissy Bishai

Eastern Mediterranean gas will not eliminate Europe’s exposure to global volatility, but it can help reinforce the continent’s resilience on the margins.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Mar 27, 2026

Matthew Bryza joins Ukraine’s EspresoTv to discuss US sentiment as the Iran war continues
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

EnergySource

Mar 23, 2026

The Strait of Hormuz crisis will ripple across plastics and food supply chains, helping Beijing and Moscow, hurting Americans

By Joseph Webster and Kate Burnett

The oil and gas blockade in the Strait of Hormuz will tighten petrochemical and fertilizer markets, with geopolitical and economic implications for the United States.

China Energy & Environment

Dispatches

Mar 20, 2026

Oil waivers risk sustaining Russia’s war effort amid the Iran war

By Linas Kojala, Vytautas Leškevičius

Relieving US sanctions on Russian oil would give Moscow a reprieve just as financial pressure was beginning to constrain its room for maneuver in its war against Ukraine.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Dispatches

Mar 20, 2026

Demand destruction has begun: What Sri Lanka reveals about the global energy crisis

By Phillip Cornell

The disruption to oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a systemic shock to energy markets, and Sri Lanka is on the front line.

Conflict Energy & Environment

Insights & Impact

Mar 20, 2026

Temnycky in Forbes: Hungary creates rift with EU and Ukraine over Russian energy sanctions

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Economy & Business

Insights & Impact

Mar 20, 2026

Cohen in Forbes: Top 5 Russian energy trends to watch in 2026

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

Fast Thinking

Mar 19, 2026

Why the Iran war energy shock is different 

By Atlantic Council

Our experts explain the factors that make the oil crisis resulting from the Iran war distinct from those caused by past conflicts.

Conflict Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Mar 19, 2026

Matthew Bryza joins Strait Talk on TRT World to discuss escalating tensions in critical Gulf energy infrastructure
Conflict Geopolitics & Energy Security

EnergySource

Mar 19, 2026

The Iran war tests Taiwan’s energy resilience

By Kevin Li

Taiwan's energy vulnerabilities are being sharply tested by supply disruptions from the conflict in Iran. Mitigating these risks will require both short-term crisis management and longer-term diversification of its energy mix.

Energy & Environment 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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Events

Public Event Thu, October 29, 2026 • 11:00 am ET

Reading the signals: The geopolitical implications of a new Congress
Artificial Intelligence Economy & Business Elections Energy Markets & Governance