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 in Cyprus Mail: Radical new choices may Be needed for LNG imports

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 in Cyprus Mail: Radical new choices may Be needed for LNG imports

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 in Cyprus Mail: Radical new choices may Be needed for LNG imports

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

Feb 6, 2022

Ellinas in Cyprus Mail: Radical new choices may Be needed for LNG imports
Geopolitics & Energy Security Oil and Gas

In the News

Feb 4, 2022

Wald in AFP: US or Russia? Ukraine Crisis Poses Dilemma for Wealthy Gulf
Geopolitics & Energy Security Russia

In the News

Feb 3, 2022

Ashford in the Washington Post: Has Ukraine turned the tables on Russia?

By Atlantic Council

On February 3, Ashford was cited in the Washington Post on energy issues related to Russia and Europe. “European Council on Foreign Relations’s Jeremy Shapiro recently observed that ‘in a world of increasing geopolitical competition, the US needs partners — not supplicants and free-riders.’ An Anglo-Polish arrangement to bolster Ukraine’s defenses suggests the former and not the […]

Eastern Europe English

In the News

Feb 3, 2022

Ashford in the New York Times: Putin, facing sanction threats, has been saving for this day

By Atlantic Council

On February 3, Ashford was cited in the New York Times on energy issues related to Russia and Europe. “‘Europe has not resolved its dependence on Russian gas,’ said Emma Ashford, who studies European security issues at The Atlantic Council research group…Russia’s currency reserves could displace the loss of energy exports to Europe for ‘several years,’ […]

Eastern Europe English

In the News

Feb 3, 2022

Bryza in The Financial Times: Europe can show Putin that threats to gas supply cut both ways
Conflict Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Jan 31, 2022

Simonyi Quoted in The Guardian on Orbán’s Moscow Visit
Eastern Europe Geopolitics & Energy Security

UkraineAlert

Jan 30, 2022

Ukraine Crisis: Will Putin deploy his energy weapons against Europe?

By Aura Sabadus

In recent months, Russia has frequently been accused of using energy supplies as a geopolitical weapon. With international tensions now rising, such tactics may soon become more prominent.

Conflict European Union

In the News

Jan 27, 2022

Fulton joined the Middle East Institute to discuss his new book

By Atlantic Council

China Economy & Business

UkraineAlert

Jan 23, 2022

Ukraine Crisis: Putin the gambler may have gone too far to back down

By Timothy Ash

Russian President Vladimir Putin has gained the world's attention with his threat to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine but he may now feel he must act or risk a serious loss of credibility on the international stage.

Conflict European Union

In the News

Jan 20, 2022

Slavin quoted by the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) on Biden’s Middle East Policy

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management
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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