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

Why US markets are betting on Saudi Arabia 

UkraineAlert Apr 9, 2025

Putin’s Arctic ambitions: Russia eyes natural resources and shipping routes

By Bohdan Ustymenko

Russia’s plans to expand its influence in the Arctic region and dominate the Northern Sea Route together with China pose serious security challenges for the international community, writes Bohdan Ustymenko.
China Conflict
Why US markets are betting on Saudi Arabia 

EnergySource Mar 28, 2025

Nord Stream could divide Europe yet again 

By Michał Kurtyka

Washington’s potential reset with Moscow, amid Ukraine peace negotiations, has revived discussions on the future of Nord Stream 2. Whether the Trump administration would cede its LNG market in Europe to Russian pipeline exports remains to be seen. For Europe, however, reopening the pipeline would be a costly mistake.
Eastern Europe Economy & Business
Why US markets are betting on Saudi Arabia 

MENASource Mar 13, 2025

Why now is the right time for ‘maximum pressure’ on Iran’s oil exports

By Scott Modell

Iran is more vulnerable than it has been in decades; the United States can deliver a decisive blow to Tehran and set the stage for a more stable and secure future.
Defense Policy Economy & Business

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 21, 2026

Why US markets are betting on Saudi Arabia 

By Khalid Azim

Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategy is coherent, ambitious, and increasingly credible. US debt capital markets, for now, appear to agree.

Economy & Business Energy Markets & Governance

AfricaSource

Jan 15, 2026

The US is reengaging with Libya—and it’s the right call

By Rose Keravuori, Maureen Farrell

If the United States seeks stability in the Mediterranean and credible alternatives to Russian energy, now is the time to make coordinated security and economic investments in Libya.

North & West Africa Oil and Gas

MENASource

Jan 12, 2026

The Venezuela-Iran connection and what Maduro’s capture means for Tehran, explained 

By Joze Pelayo, Kirsten Fontenrose, Ellie Sennett 

Our experts break down Iran’s ties to Venezuela and the impact Maduro’s capture could have on Tehran’s interests in and outside of its own borders. 

Iran Oil and Gas

Dispatches

Jan 8, 2026

What it takes to revive Venezuela’s oil and gas industry

By David L. Goldwyn, Andrea Clabough

International oil companies are unlikely to make major new investments in Venezuela without greater legal and regulatory certainty.

Latin America Oil and Gas

In the News

Jan 7, 2026

Kroenig on DW News on US oil tanker seizures in the Caribbean

By Atlantic Council

On January 7, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was interviewed on DW-TV about the US seizure of a Russian flagged oil tanker carrying Venezuelan oil. He contends that the move signaled US resolve in quarantining the Venezuelan regime and adopting a firmer approach toward Russia in the Western hemisphere.

Americas Latin America

Dispatches

Jan 4, 2026

Venezuelan oil was the enabler, not the prize

By Landon Derentz

It will likely take years to rehabilitate the country’s energy sector and achieve a sizable increase in oil exports.

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

Fast Thinking

Jan 3, 2026

What to watch in a post-Maduro Venezuela

By Atlantic Council

President Donald Trump said the United States will now “run” Venezuela—but what will that mean in practice?

Democratic Transitions Latin America

Dispatches

Jan 3, 2026

Experts react: The US just captured Maduro. What’s next for Venezuela and the region?

By Atlantic Council experts

What does the future hold for Venezuela following the US raid that removed Nicolás Maduro from power? Atlantic Council experts share their insights.

Democratic Transitions Latin America

Dispatches

Dec 17, 2025

What Trump’s Venezuela oil blockade means for Maduro and the world

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts react to news that the US military would soon impose a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into or out of Venezuela.

Caribbean Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Dec 16, 2025

What will 2026 bring for the Middle East and North Africa?

By Atlantic Council experts

As 2025 comes to a close, our senior analysts unpack the most prominent trends and topics they are tracking for the new year.

Climate Change & Climate Action Democratic Transitions
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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