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

Shifting gears: Geopolitics of the global energy transition

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
Shifting gears: Geopolitics of the global energy transition

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
Shifting gears: Geopolitics of the global energy transition

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

Report

Jun 10, 2021

Shifting gears: Geopolitics of the global energy transition

By Robert J. Johnston

A peak in global oil demand would have significant geopolitical and geoeconomic consequences for oil-producing and importing states alike. And while oil resources have afforded leverage to producing nations, many of these countries have not diversified their economies and remain highly dependent on oil revenue for economic and national stability.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

In the News

May 14, 2021

Ashford in InkStick: The cautionary tale of the pipeline

By Atlantic Council

On May 14, Emma Ashford wrote an article in Inkstick on the national security implications of the Colonial Pipeline cyber attack. “But while the broad particulars of this story are correct — the Colonial Pipeline was indeed the victim of a ransomware attack which halted transit and caused gasoline shortages up and down the East […]

Cybersecurity Oil and Gas

EnergySource

May 13, 2021

Colonial Pipeline attack demonstrates that a more coherent cybersecurity strategy is necessary

By Cynthia Quarterman

With the announcement that the Colonial Pipeline will reopen soon, the short-term effect of the Colonial cyberattack on gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other refined petroleum product prices is likely to be mildly escalatory and short-lived, but it exposes the soft underbelly of the nation’s critical energy infrastructure and the need for a more robust cybersecurity strategy to protect it.

Cybersecurity Energy & Environment

Fast Thinking

May 12, 2021

FAST THINKING: How bad will Israeli-Palestinian violence get?

By Atlantic Council

Is an all-out war brewing? What does this mean for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s future? What role will regional and global powers now play in the confrontation? From Washington to Jerusalem, our experts are here to weigh in.

Cybersecurity Energy & Environment

Fast Thinking

May 11, 2021

FAST THINKING: How to stop the next pipeline hack

By Atlantic Council

The hack has been tied to an Eastern European (and possibly Russia-based) collective known as DarkSide and US President Joe Biden has said that Russia bears some responsibility for the hack, even though the attack does not appear to have been state-sponsored. How can companies fight back against this rising trend of ransomware attacks? What can the Biden administration do?

Cybersecurity Eastern Europe

UkraineAlert

Apr 29, 2021

Energy sanctions can prevent a new Russian offensive in Ukraine

By Ariel Cohen and David Pasmanik

Expanding US sanctions policy to target Russia’s energy industry remains one of the most powerful remaining tools available to the democratic world as it seeks to deter further Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Conflict European Union

UkraineAlert

Apr 28, 2021

Dismissal of Naftogaz CEO raises doubts over Ukraine’s corporate governance reforms

By Aura Sabadus

The Ukrainian government has dismissed Naftogaz CEO Andriy Kobolyev and the company’s supervisory board, raising serious questions over corporate governance reforms at the country's state-owned enterprises.

Oil and Gas Political Reform

Issue Brief

Apr 27, 2021

What will the impact be if Nord Stream 2 is completed?

By Anders Åslund

A completed Nord Stream 2 pipeline will have an impact on a number of issues, from national and energy security to geopolitical and governance considerations, all while the gas supply will hardly be impacted with costs already sunk. Does the pipeline make commercial sense?

Eastern Europe European Union

EnergySource

Apr 23, 2021

Long-term US-China liquefied natural gas trade will bring strategic benefits to both countries

By Serena Su

Despite a wide range of challenges within the US-China relationship, liquified natural gas (LNG) trade is one of the few areas that brings strategic benefits to both countries. US LNG is well positioned to provide China with a clean, affordable, and reliable energy source. In turn, multi-decade investment in new LNG infrastructure will bring well-paying jobs across the United States and support much needed post-pandemic economic recovery.

China Energy & Environment

In the News

Apr 6, 2021

Fontenrose joins CNBC to discuss US-Iran nuclear talks
Iran Oil and Gas
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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