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

Lipsky quoted in Politico discussing impacts of a potential Russian default on the global economy

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
Lipsky quoted in Politico discussing impacts of a potential Russian default on the global economy

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
Lipsky quoted in Politico discussing impacts of a potential Russian default on the global economy

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

Issue Brief

Jan 9, 2020

Transforming the power sector in developing countries: Geopolitics, poverty, and climate change in Bangladesh

By Robert F. Ichord, Jr.

As the South and Southeast Asian region faces increasing energy demand due to both population and economic growth, countries like Bangladesh must meet that demand while facing and overcoming critical environmental and energy security challenges. How is Bangladesh seeking to diversify its energy mix and establish more local and decarbonized power systems, and what are key opportunities for future government and foreign investment?

Bangladesh Climate Change & Climate Action

Global Energy Forum

Jan 9, 2020

Transforming the power sector in developing countries: Geopolitics, poverty, and climate change in Pakistan

By Robert F. Ichord, Jr.

As the South and Southeast Asian region faces increasing energy demand due to both population and economic growth, countries like Pakistan must meet that demand while facing and overcoming critical environmental and energy security challenges. How is Pakistan seeking to diversify its energy mix and establish more local and decarbonized power systems, and what are key opportunities for future government and foreign investment?

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy Markets & Governance

Global Energy Forum

Jan 9, 2020

The role of oil and gas companies in the energy transition

By Robert (“RJ”) Johnston, Reed Blakemore, and Randolph Bell

Many oil and gas companies have recognized the need to decarbonize the energy system to avoid the impacts of climate change. Initial industry efforts to play a role in the energy transition show sincerity and promise. Yet the urgent need for more oil and gas production for the foreseeable future suggests that a comprehensive framework for the oil and gas industry to support a low-carbon future while simultaneously ensuring the world has enough energy to meet development and economic growth goals has yet to be fully developed. What role can the oil and gas industry play lead the way to an energy-rich, globally prosperous, low-carbon future?

Energy Transitions Oil and Gas
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Content

In the News

Apr 5, 2022

Lipsky quoted in Politico discussing impacts of a potential Russian default on the global economy

Read the full article here.

Conflict Economy & Business

In the News

Apr 5, 2022

Fontenrose quoted in The Hill on Saudi Arabia’s increase of oil prices amidst Ukraine crisis

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Economy & Business

In the News

Apr 4, 2022

Cohen in Forbes: Strategic Petroleum Reserve Release Should Help Americans, Hurt Putin
Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

In the News

Apr 2, 2022

Friedlander cited in the Economist on illegal oil shipments as a means of sanctions evasion

Read the full article here.

Conflict Economy & Business

Global Energy Forum

Apr 1, 2022

Can the Eastern Mediterranean resolve its natural gas strife?

By Atlantic Council

What role can the region play in a global push to reduce emissions and improve energy security?

Crisis Management Energy & Environment

Global Energy Forum

Apr 1, 2022

How a circular carbon economy can help achieve Paris Agreement climate goals

By Atlantic Council

Tools such as carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, and others will all need to be organized together to form a ‘circular carbon economy’ of carbon management.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

Global Energy Forum

Apr 1, 2022

The role of refining in the energy transition: Reduce carbon intensity of fuels and chemicals

By Atlantic Council

How can the refining sector adapt to produce a wide range of less carbon-intense fuels from relatively unfamiliar raw materials?

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Global Energy Forum

Apr 1, 2022

Practical steps for Europe as it turns away from Russian gas

By Atlantic Council

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and its manipulation of the European gas market before then, has made discussions in Europe about getting out from under Russian gas hegemony more pressing than ever.

Climate Change & Climate Action Crisis Management

Global Energy Forum

Apr 1, 2022

The future of environmental, social, and corporate governance: ‘It’s not about ticking a box.’

By Atlantic Council

With unprecedented amounts of private capital projected to be deployed in order to fight climate change, environmental, social, and corporate-governance investing is taking center stage in financing the energy transition.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

Global Energy Forum

Apr 1, 2022

The search for energy security may put the energy transition in the ‘back seat’

By Atlantic Council

How will a decarbonized and digitized energy system respond to these growing security challenges?

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance
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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