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

How the UAE plans to invest in a net-zero future

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
How the UAE plans to invest in a net-zero future

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
How the UAE plans to invest in a net-zero future

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

Global Energy Forum

Mar 29, 2022

How the UAE plans to invest in a net-zero future

By Atlantic Council

UAE policymakers now face the task of aligning the whole of domestic industry with their net-zero objective.

Climate Change & Climate Action Crisis Management

Global Energy Forum

Mar 28, 2022

In the energy transition, oil and gas have a ‘guaranteed’ role, says OPEC secretary general

By Atlantic Council

Even as the world decarbonizes, oil and gas will play a continued role in an equitable, affordable, and sustainable energy transition.

Climate Change & Climate Action Crisis Management

Global Energy Forum

Mar 28, 2022

Senior US energy official Amos Hochstein on the West’s response to Russia and ‘critical need’ to diversify its energy supply

By Atlantic Council

Europe and the United States are joining to ensure that more countries come on board with sanctions and that their sanctions deal the biggest blow to Russia.

Climate Change & Climate Action Crisis Management

Global Energy Forum

Mar 28, 2022

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq is willing to make up for energy shortfalls in Europe, says prime minister

By Atlantic Council

Iraqi Kurdistan has achieved great strides, producing half a million barrels of oil and half a billion cubic feet of gas daily. But its tension with the federal government in Baghdad raises questions.

Crisis Management Energy & Environment

Global Energy Forum

Mar 28, 2022

Europe must confront Russia’s weaponization of oil and gas, say energy leaders

By Atlantic Council

Balancing short-term responses to the energy crisis of the moment while insulating from future energy-security risks will frame the next stage in the energy crisis for policymakers.

Climate Change & Climate Action Crisis Management

In the News

Mar 28, 2022

Sullivan in BBC News on the global transition to clean energy sources
Arabic Energy & Environment

Global Energy Forum

Mar 28, 2022

How will today’s energy crisis impact the global energy transition?

By Atlantic Council

The move to clean energy is crucial, but solving today's energy crises will be also key.

Climate Change & Climate Action Crisis Management

Global Energy Forum

Mar 28, 2022

To prepare for the energy transition, policies must serve ‘real-world scenarios,’ says top UAE official

By Atlantic Council

In all the world's challenges—the ongoing pandemic, inflation, and, most recently, the Russian invasion of Ukraine—energy plays a central role.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

Global Energy Forum

Mar 28, 2022

Meet the global leaders powering the world’s energy transition

By Atlantic Council

The return of pre-pandemic energy consumption, threats of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, crises across Europe, and more have dampened hopes for a swift energy transition. But global energy leaders are no less determined.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

UkraineAlert

Mar 27, 2022

Russian energy embargo: Europe must stop financing Putin’s Ukraine war 

By Diane Francis

Naftogaz CEO Yuriy Vitrenko has accused European countries of funding Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine and called for an immediate embargo on all Russian energy exports in order to stop the war.

Conflict European Union
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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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Events

Public Event Wed, May 13, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

The 2026 Iraq Dialogue
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
Flagship Event Tue, June 9, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

2026 Global Energy Forum

The tenth Global Energy Forum will chart the course for continued innovation, collaboration, and leadership in the global energy transition. 
Africa Americas Climate Change & Climate Action Critical Minerals