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

Foe or friend? US-Turkey bilateral relations seem set to improve as interests align

EnergySource May 21, 2025

Replace the Inflation Reduction Act with FUEL-AI

By Joseph Webster

To compete in the global AI race, the United States must dramatically expand its power supply. Replacing the Inflation Reduction Act with the FUEL-AI Act would reorient energy policy toward national security, fast-tracking domestic energy production and infrastructure to power America’s AI future.
Energy & Environment Energy Transitions
Foe or friend? US-Turkey bilateral relations seem set to improve as interests align

MENASource May 15, 2025

Feeding the ‘water mafia’: Sanctions relief and Iran’s water crisis

By Nik Kowsar

Trump comments mark the first time a US president acknowledges a “water mafia”: a connected network responsible for ecological catastrophes.
Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment
Foe or friend? US-Turkey bilateral relations seem set to improve as interests align

New Atlanticist Apr 30, 2025

Experts react: At last, the US and Ukraine signed a minerals deal. Here’s what to expect next.

By Atlantic Council experts

After months of wrangling, Washington and Kyiv quietly finalized a much-anticipated agreement on April 30. Atlantic Council experts dig into the details.
Critical Minerals 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

Online Event Tue, March 10, 2026 • 2:00 pm ET

The impact of the Iran conflict on global energy markets
Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran Middle East
Public Event Wed, May 13, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

The 2026 Iraq Dialogue
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
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Content

Report

Mar 11, 2026

Foe or friend? US-Turkey bilateral relations seem set to improve as interests align

By Rich Outzen

If Turkey and the US pursue compatible goals and interests, room remains to balance internal political benefits with geopolitical cooperation.

Conflict Defense Policy

Report

Mar 11, 2026

Navigating change: US-Turkish defense relations in 2026

By Atlantic Council Turkey Program

The sixth issue of the Defense Journal by Atlantic Council Turkey Program, takes up several of the regional, military-technical, and policy issues in US-Turkish relations.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

Report

Mar 11, 2026

As Ankara rethinks its Libyan policy, the Haftar family stands to gain

By Karim Mezran, Alissa Pavia

Libya remains mired in a protracted civil conflict that has divided the country between rival factions. Ankara, which had strongly backed one side, recently modified its foreign policy.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

EnergySource

Mar 10, 2026

‘Energy dominance’ reconsidered: From domestic abundance to global strategic leverage

By Sara Vakhshouri

Recent geopolitical developments, including the war in Iran, reveal an expanding definition of "energy dominance."

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

EnergySource

Mar 5, 2026

What the US can do to mitigate an impending energy crisis

By Ellen Wald

The United States has an opportunity to head off triple-digit crude oil prices by taking key steps.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Dispatches

Mar 5, 2026

Enforce sanctions to prevent Russia from benefitting in a prolonged Iran crisis

By Kimberly Donovan

Russia has millions of barrels of sanctioned oil it is ready to sell—unless the United States and its allies step up sanctions enforcement.

Conflict Energy & Environment

Atlantic Debrief

Mar 3, 2026

#AtlanticDebrief – What’s in store for the Three Seas Summit? | A Debrief from Amb. Romana Vlahutin

Senior Fellow Ian Brzezinski sits down with Ambassador Romana Vlahutin to discuss the upcoming 3SI Summit in Croatia.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

EnergySource

Mar 3, 2026

How the broadening Middle East conflict could strengthen Russia’s hand

By Andrei Covatariu

As the US war with Iran expands, energy markets tighten—testing European resolve to phaseout Russian gas.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Issue Brief

Mar 3, 2026

Turkey’s gas diversification strategy and rising share of LNG

By Eser Özdil

An analysis of Turkey's LNG diversification strategy from 2016 to 2025 and the geopolitical implications of Turkey’s emergence as a gas exporter to Europe.

Energy Markets & Governance Geopolitics & Energy Security

EnergySource

Feb 25, 2026

Can Project Vault fortify the US industrial base against mineral chokepoints?

By Morgan D. Bazilian and Lt. Col. Jahara “FRANKY” Matisek

Project Vault will help the United States create a stockpile of critical minerals, but its success as a strategic asset will depend on its governance.

Energy & Environment 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

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

Staff

Lisa Basquel

Program Assistant, European Energy Security

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia
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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