Recent analysis

Ashford in Foreign Policy: The problem with being a petrostate

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
Ashford in Foreign Policy: The problem with being a petrostate

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
Ashford in Foreign Policy: The problem with being a petrostate

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.

learn more

Events

Global Energy Forum

Mar 20, 2017

Downstream oil theft: Implications and next steps

By Dr. Ian M. Ralby

On January 13, 2017, the Atlantic Council launched a major study on downstream oil theft at its inaugural Global Energy Forum in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Downstream Oil Theft: Implications and Next Steps draws on the launch event to examine the implications of the study’s findings and to suggest tangible next steps in both further investigating this global scourge and beginning to confront it effectively.

Energy & Environment
Oil and Gas

Global Energy Forum

Jan 6, 2017

Downstream oil theft: Global modalities, trends, and remedies

By Ian M. Ralby

Hydrocarbons crime, in all its forms, has become a significant threat not only to local and regional prosperity but also to global stability and security. Combating this pervasive criminal activity is made only more difficult by the reality that many of those in a position to curb hydrocarbons crime are the ones benefiting from it.

Energy & Environment
Oil and Gas

Event Recap

Jun 15, 2016

US Launch: BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2016

By Yigit Erkut

On Wednesday, June 15, 2016, the Atlantic Council hosted the U.S launch of the BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2016 with Spencer Dale, Group Chief Economist for BP. Global energy markets have entered a period of accelerating volatility. The US shale revolution has upended global oil and gas markets. Alternative energy sources are bourgeoning, […]

Energy & Environment
Oil and Gas
Load More

Content

In the News

Jun 19, 2022

Ashford in Foreign Policy: The problem with being a petrostate

By Atlantic Council

On June 19, Foreign Policy published an excerpt of Emma Ashford’s new book, Oil, the State and War, entitled “The Problem with Being a Petrostate.” In the excerpt, Ashford discusses the phenomena of oil-wealthy states being more likely than other countries to start wars. Then, Ashford rebuts the idea of the oil weapon, concluding “it is thus […]

Economy & Business
Energy & Environment

AfricaSource

Jun 16, 2022

The Ukraine war is giving Europe a chance to reset ties with Africa

By Rama Yade

The war in Ukraine has sent shock waves throughout the international system. For both Europe and Africa, it means a strengthened relationship is more imperative than ever.

Africa
Energy & Environment

In the News

Jun 15, 2022

Ashford in The New Arab: The Foreign Policies of Petrostates

By Atlantic Council

On June 15, Emma Ashford’s new book, Oil, the State and War, was reviewed in The New Arab. The reviewer wrote, “Oil, the State, and War is a book that helps understand the times we live in. It will be a great addition to the library of both the general reader interested in global affairs […]

Corruption
Defense Policy

EnergySource

Jun 14, 2022

Affordability, security, and emissions reductions: The sustainability trilemma

By Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo

OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo offers his thoughts on the need for oil to be a part of the energy transition.

Energy & Environment
Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Jun 10, 2022

Kroenig and Ashford debate US policy toward the Persian Gulf

On June 10, Foreign Policy published its biweekly "It's Debatable" column featuring Scowcroft Center deputy director Matthew Kroenig and NAEI resident senior fellow Emma Ashford. In their latest column, they debate President Biden's shifting policy toward US Gulf partners as Iran works to build the bomb.

Economy & Business
Energy & Environment

EnergySource

Jun 10, 2022

How Nordic wind and wealth can wean Europe off Putin’s gas

By András Simonyi and Morten Svendstorp

Denmark and Norway are uniquely positioned to drive the European hydrogen economy of the future. The two countries' wealth, renewable capacity, and ambition make long-term replacement of Russian gas—and indeed of gas in general—viable.

Energy & Environment
Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Jun 3, 2022

Lichfield interviewed on BBC’s The World Tonight on the already-evident impact of sanctions on Russia’s economy

Listen to the full interview here.

Economic Sanctions
Economy & Business

In the News

Jun 2, 2022

Shapiro quoted in AP News on increasing relations between Israel-Saudi as US increases US Command in Israel

By Atlantic Council

Israel
Oil and Gas

In the News

Jun 2, 2022

Shapiro quoted in The Wall Street Journal on the Saudi oil boost

By Atlantic Council

Oil and Gas
Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jun 1, 2022

Azodi quoted in Middle East Eye on Iran’s seizure of oil tankers in retaliation

By Atlantic Council

Iran
Middle East
Load More

Experts

Fellow

Neil Ford

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Energy & Environment

Fellow

Mamadou Fall Kane

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Energy & Environment

Fellow

Edward Verona

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Economy & Business

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

Agnia Grigas

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Eastern Europe Energy Markets & Governance
Load More