Oil & Gas

Even in a more carbon-conscious world, oil and gas will continue to play a significant role in the global energy system. From petrochemicals to power generation, oil and gas technologies will be a central player in the “dual challenge” of meeting increased energy demand and the need for low-carbon energy, making oil and gas still critical for international trade, investment, and geopolitics.

Recent analysis

Turkey’s Syria and Libya strategies add up to a Mediterranean power play

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
Turkey’s Syria and Libya strategies add up to a Mediterranean power play

Dispatches Mar 12, 2026

Energy under attack: What the Gulf can learn from Ukraine and Iraq

By Matthew Keating

In their successes and shortcomings, Iraq and Ukraine are cases worth studying by countries currently under attack from Iran.
Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security
Turkey’s Syria and Libya strategies add up to a Mediterranean power play

Dispatches Mar 5, 2026

What a Middle East oil and LNG crisis means for China and East Asia

By Joseph Webster, Reid I’Anson, and Kevin Li

China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan would each be affected by a collapse in energy through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed.
China Conflict

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 11, 2020

Climate commitments needed to head off threats of volatility and instability

By Adal Mirza

A widening gap between perceptions and reality of the global energy markets could increase volatility as governments, policy makers, and industries struggle to tackle climate change, according to Fatih Birol, the executive director of the International Energy Agency.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy Markets & Governance

Global Energy Forum

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

Global Energy Forum

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

MENASource

Jan 13, 2025

Turkey’s Syria and Libya strategies add up to a Mediterranean power play

By Emadeddin Badi and Abdullah al-Jabassini 

By aligning its strategies in Libya and Syria, Turkey seeks to consolidate influence and amplify its leverage across both theaters.

Defense Policy Drones

New Atlanticist

Jan 10, 2025

Experts react: What does Maduro’s third-term power grab mean for Venezuela’s future?

By Atlantic Council experts

Strongman Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year presidential term on January 10, six months after a stolen election.

Corruption Elections

In the News

Jan 10, 2025

Khakova quoted in the BBC on US and UK sanctions on the Russian oil industry

By Olga Khakova

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

New Atlanticist

Jan 8, 2025

Is 2025 the year that Russia’s economy finally freezes up under sanctions?

By Mark Temnycky

It’s taken years, but the Russian economy now appears to be experiencing the full effects of international sanctions. The first signs appeared at the end of 2024.

Economy & Business Oil and Gas

In the News

Jan 7, 2025

Shaffer quoted by Nikkei Asia on Biden’s ban of offshore drilling

By Brenda Shaffer

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Jan 7, 2025

Khakova was quoted in HuffPost on Ukraine’s switch from Russian to US gas 

By Olga Khakova

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Dec 31, 2024

Khakova joins ABC News Australia to discuss the end of Russia-Ukraine gas transit

By Olga Khakova

Energy & Environment English

EnergySource

Dec 16, 2024

Guyana’s low-carbon model for resource-led development

By Liliana Diaz

Guyana has emerged as a model for balancing economic development with environmental stewardship. Showing how the two goals need not conflict, Guyana is both capitalizing on its recent oil discoveries while also being a pioneer in biodiversity credits, expanding protected areas, and using oil revenue to finance renewable energy projects.

Caribbean Climate Change & Climate Action

New Atlanticist

Dec 12, 2024

Chevron CEO Mike Wirth on what to expect on energy under the Trump administration

By Katherine Golden

At an Atlantic Council Front Page event, Wirth said the new administration will need to craft energy policies that balance environmental concerns, affordability, and national security.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

MENASource

Nov 15, 2024

The evolving roles of the Gulf states in the low-carbon energy transition

By Li-Chen Sim and Farkhod Aminjonov

Policies that promote Gulf participation in international climate initiatives could reinforce their commitment to the energy transition away from fossil fuels.

Energy & Environment Middle East
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Experts

Fellow

Marino Auffant

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Staff

Reed Blakemore

Director, Research and Programs

Global Energy Center

Geopolitics & Energy Security Energy Transitions

Fellow

Neil Ford

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Energy & Environment

Fellow

Agnia Grigas

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Eastern Europe Energy Markets & Governance

Fellow

Mamadou Fall Kane

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Energy & Environment

Fellow

Inwook Kim

Nonresident Fellow

empowerME Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

English Geopolitics & Energy Security
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Events

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