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

Ellinas quoted in Le Monde on Athens’ natural gas

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
Ellinas quoted in Le Monde on Athens’ natural gas

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
Ellinas quoted in Le Monde on Athens’ natural gas

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

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
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Content

In the News

May 4, 2022

Ellinas quoted in Le Monde on Athens’ natural gas
Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

EnergySource

May 3, 2022

Gazprom set the Russian invasion of Ukraine in motion

By Alan Riley

Gazprom's actions in the months leading up to Russia's invasion of Ukraine can only be interpreted as stage-setting maneuvers to deter European involvement. Its willingness to abdicate its commercial responsibilities raises serious questions about Europe's future business with Russian energy companies.

Eastern Europe Energy & Environment

Britain Debrief

May 1, 2022

#BritainDebrief – Are sanctions on Russia working? A Debrief from Ambassador Daniel Fried

By Ben Judah, Daniel Fried

Senior Fellow Ben Judah interviews Ambassador Daniel Fried, former US Coordinator for Sanctions Policy (2013-2017) for #BritainDebrief on how sanctions on Russia are impacting the Kremlin’s war chest, the Russian economy and third countries.

Civil Society Conflict

UkraineAlert

May 1, 2022

Finally! German MPs back heavy weapons for Ukraine in historic vote

By Vitaly Sych

The German Bundestag on April 28 finally agreed to supply heavy weapons to Ukraine in an historic vote that marked a departure from months of caution in Berlin and efforts to avoid confrontation with the Kremlin.

Conflict Corruption

EnergySource

Apr 29, 2022

Keeping Europe united: A roadmap for avoiding Russia’s trap

By Olga Khakova

Russia's shutoff of its gas exports to Poland and Bulgaria presents a major test of European unity. But the EU has several options for defending its energy security and lessening the impact of the Russian energy threat.

Eastern Europe Energy & Environment

EnergySource

Apr 29, 2022

The ruble gas gamble

By Aliona Osmolovska

Putin's decree that gas payments from "unfriendly nations" must be made in rubles has the potential to foment division in Europe. Russian gas buyers on the continent should be aware of the dangers of compliance and of their legal recourses in the face of a cessation of supply.

Eastern Europe Energy & Environment

EnergySource

Apr 28, 2022

The US should leverage 45Q for the graphite supply crunch

By William Tobin

The US is staring down a significant shortfall in the supply of graphite, a critical mineral to the energy transition. Synthetic graphite production using captured carbon could be the way forward, and the 45Q tax credit is the best tool policymakers have to stimulate it.

Critical Minerals Energy & Environment
A worker helps put together a pipeline.

EnergySource

Apr 25, 2022

The EU’s plans to replace Russian gas: Aspiration and reality

By John Roberts and Julian Bowden

The implementation of the EU's REPowerEU plan looks to be a monumental task. The authors offer insight into the EU's various options in its effort to remove Russia from its gas balance and greatly reduce its hold over the continent.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Britain Debrief

Apr 25, 2022

#BritainDebrief – What’s at stake in France’s Presidential Election? | A Debrief from Ambassador Gérard Araud

By Ben Judah, Gérard Araud

Senior Fellow Ben Judah interviews Ambassador Gérard Araud, former French Ambassador to the US and Senior Fellow, for #BritainDebrief to discuss how this election will impact France. What is France's role in NATO? What will happen to the European Union and France-Russia relations if Le Pen wins the election?

Arms Control Civil Society

New Atlanticist

Apr 22, 2022

How the G7 can fund its clean green plan

By Hugo Dixon

To bring its green vision to life, the G7 needs to nail down where the money will come from.

Climate Change & Climate Action Economy & Business
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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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