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

In Iraq, China’s long game unfolds

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
In Iraq, China’s long game unfolds

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
In Iraq, China’s long game unfolds

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

Report

Jan 26, 2026

In Iraq, China’s long game unfolds

By Sardar Aziz and Mohammed A. Salih

As China seeks new markets abroad and energy security at home, Iraq has become integral to Beijing’s plans in the Middle East. Baghdad finds itself caught between its security needs, for which it depends on the United States, and the economic needs of its growing population.

China Energy Markets & Governance

EnergySource

Jan 26, 2026

Davos underscored how leaders are navigating global energy crossroads 

By Lisa Basquel, Elina Carpen, Amy Drake, Alexis Harmon

Amid shifting geopolitical lines, leaders at Davos 2026 articulated their visions for establishing regional and global energy security.

Critical Minerals Energy & Environment

MENASource

Jan 22, 2026

Wang Yi’s MENA tour was long on messaging, short on outcomes

By Jonathan Fulton

Wang worked to position China as a defender of free trade and a reliable partner for the Middle East region.

China Geopolitics & Energy Security

Dispatches

Jan 13, 2026

Greenland’s critical minerals require patient statecraft

By Reed Blakemore, Alexis Harmon

The island’s mineral wealth will take a decade or more to translate into meaningful supply.

Critical Minerals Energy & Environment

Issue Brief

Nov 19, 2025

Carbon markets and climate finance for Ukraine’s recovery

By Ievgeniia Kopytsia and Darka Harnyk

As COP30 unfolds, learn how Ukraine's experience will influence climate finance mechanisms and drive sustainable recovery efforts.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Issue Brief

Nov 19, 2025

Why Ankara’s rising power in the Sahel could benefit the West

By Alp Ozen, Haley Nelson

Turkey offers a rare channel in the Sahel that the West could use to recalibrate its approach to the region.

Africa Energy & Environment

EnergySource

Nov 18, 2025

Operationalizing the National Defense Industrial Strategy for great power competition

By Lt. Col. Jahara "Franky" Matisek and Morgan D. Bazilian

With Russia following China's lead in the rare-earth extraction roadmap, the United States must find solutions to stay competitive on the international stage.

China Energy & Environment

In the News

Nov 8, 2025

Sapuppo in Kyiv Post on Hungarian exemption from US sanctions targeting Russian energy

By Mercedes Sapuppo

On November 8, Mercedes Sappuppo, nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, was quoted in Kyiv Post on the one-year exemption for Hungarian imports of Russian gas.

Energy Markets & Governance English

EnergySource

Nov 5, 2025

Europe’s energy operating system: P-TEC as the North Star in a European maze 

By Michał Kurtyka

The sixth P-TEC ministerial in Athens has an opportunity to accelerate transatlantic efforts to reshape Europe's energy system into one that is pragmatic, innovative, and resilient.

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

Nov 3, 2025

US power utilities must prepare for a crisis in the Indo-Pacific. Here’s how they can start.

By Victor Atkins, Markus Garlauskas

The private sector—not just the government and military—must prepare for attacks on the US electrical grid resulting from a geopolitical crisis in the Indo-Pacific.

Cybersecurity Geopolitics & Energy Security
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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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