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

Morningstar Joins NHK to Discuss import bans 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
Morningstar Joins NHK to Discuss import bans 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
Morningstar Joins NHK to Discuss import bans 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.

learn more

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
Load More

Content

In the News

Mar 9, 2022

Morningstar Joins NHK to Discuss import bans on Russian oil
Energy Markets & Governance Geopolitics & Energy Security

New Atlanticist

Mar 9, 2022

Biden’s Russian oil ban: Slick, or nothing special?

By Randolph Bell, Reed Blakemore, and Charles Lichfield

Our experts break down the new US move against Russia's energy industry, from its impact on global oil prices to the pressure it puts in Europe.

Energy & Environment European Union

TURKEYSource

Mar 9, 2022

With the Israeli president’s visit, are Israel-Turkey relations back on track?

By Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

The Atlantic Council IN TURKEY discusses the significance of Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Turkey, the first state level bilateral visit since 2008 following over a decade of tensions between the two countries.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Israel

In the News

Mar 8, 2022

Lichfield quoted by CNN Business on Russia energy sanctions

Read the full article here

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

In the News

Mar 8, 2022

Katz joins the Gulf International Forum to discuss the implications of Ukraine crisis on the Gulf region

By Atlantic Council

Arms Control Conflict

EnergySource

Mar 7, 2022

How to sanction Russian energy, mitigate price spikes, and advance low-carbon energy security

By Phillip Cornell

An embargo on Russian oil may not have the intended effect on Putin's war chest, as a squeeze on global oil supply could inadvertently create more profits for Russian producers. But a punitive tax might work better, keeping prices at market level while setting aside profits to use for diversification, price shock mitigation, and support for Ukraine.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

EnergySource

Mar 7, 2022

DeRussification of European natural gas imports by 55 bcm in 5 years: A three-pronged strategy to reduce, reroute, and reserve supplies

By Olga Khakova

Europe should be crafting ambitious plans to reduce its dependence on Russian energy. Reducing annual natural gas imports from Russia by 55 bcm in 5 years (or "55 in 5") would make a significant dent.

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Mar 5, 2022

Morningstar quoted in Radio Free Europe on the war in Ukraine
Geopolitics & Energy Security Russia

In the News

Mar 4, 2022

Sullivan in Barron’s: Who will be left to do business in Russia?
Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Geopolitics & Energy Security

Britain Debrief

Mar 4, 2022

#BritainDebrief – What impact are Britain and Allied sanctions having on Russia? A Debrief from Dr. Maria Shagina

By Ben Judah

As Britain joins the global anti-invasion coalition to take increasingly assertive economic action against Russia, Ben Judah interviews Dr. Maria Shagina, visiting fellow at the Finnish Institute for International Affairs' Center on US Politics and Power, for #BritainDebrief.

Conflict Crisis Management
Load More

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
Load More