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

Ashford in Foreign Policy: The problem with being a petrostate

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
Ashford in Foreign Policy: The problem with being a petrostate

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
Ashford in Foreign Policy: The problem with being a petrostate

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

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.

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

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
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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