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

#BritainDebrief – Which Western leaders have done enough for Ukraine? A Debrief from Kira Rudik

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
#BritainDebrief – Which Western leaders have done enough for Ukraine? A Debrief from Kira Rudik

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
#BritainDebrief – Which Western leaders have done enough for Ukraine? A Debrief from Kira Rudik

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

Britain Debrief

May 8, 2022

#BritainDebrief – Which Western leaders have done enough for Ukraine? A Debrief from Kira Rudik

By Ben Judah

Senior Fellow Ben Judah interviews Kira Rudik, member of the Ukrainian Parliament and leader of the Voice Party, about which of Ukraine's allies have helped the most.

Arms Control Central Europe

In the News

May 7, 2022

Sullivan in Arab News: Nations must prepare for the shocks that war and climate change always bring
Climate Change & Climate Action Geopolitics & Energy Security

Event Recap

May 6, 2022

Africa Center’s 2022 Spring Meeting Dialogues

With the IMF and World Bank Group Spring Meetings taking place from April 18th to the 22nd, the Africa Center convened the timely “2022 Spring Meeting Dialogues”, highlighting African views during the strategic gatherings around development matters.

Africa Climate Change & Climate Action

UkraineAlert

May 6, 2022

Countering the Kremlin: America must not wait for European unity

By Olexander Scherba

Vladimir Putin's ongoing invasion of Ukraine marks the culmination of Russia’s long campaign to corrupt Europe. The EU condemns the war while at the same time sponsoring it, writes Olexander Scherba.

Conflict Corruption

In the News

May 5, 2022

Sullivan quoted in Reuters on NOPEC
Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

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
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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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