Oil & Gas

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

Bryza in Kyiv Post: Matthew Bryza: Rosneft undermining Venezuela and Iran sanctions

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
Bryza in Kyiv Post: Matthew Bryza: Rosneft undermining Venezuela and Iran sanctions

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
Bryza in Kyiv Post: Matthew Bryza: Rosneft undermining Venezuela and Iran sanctions

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 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

Global Energy Forum

Jan 9, 2020

European energy diversification: How alternative sources, routes, and clean technologies can bolster energy security and decarbonization

By Richard L. Morningstar, András Simonyi, Olga Khakova, Irina Markina

The European Union’s efforts to achieve a carbon-neutral economy present a unique and timely opportunity to strengthen European energy security. What is the EU currently doing to meet its decarbonization goals, address the role of natural gas in Europe’s low-carbon future, and explain the potential for new gas sources, alternative gas routes, and clean energy technologies to reduce carbon emissions? And how can this be done while simultaneously increasing European energy security and opportunities for transatlantic cooperation?

Energy Markets & Governance Energy Transitions
Manufacturing facility

Global Energy Forum

Jan 9, 2020

The Saudi Aramco-SABIC merger: How acquiring SABIC fits into Aramco’s long-term diversification strategy

By Private: Jean-François Seznec

Throughout 2019, financial markets have watched the planned Saudi Aramco initial public offering (IPO), which was finally launched in December. A quieter, but no less significant, story was the Saudi oil company’s acquisition of SABIC. Saudi Aramco strove to have a successful IPO, especially through increased transparency and diversification, and the SABIC acquisition was a key element of Saudi oil company's diversification strategy. Going forward, what does the merger mean for both companies, what is the new relationship between Saudi Aramco and SABIC, and what are the merger’s implications for the intricate relationship between the various bureaucracies and leadership in Saudi Arabia?

Energy Markets & Governance Energy Transitions
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Content

In the News

Nov 28, 2019

Bryza in Kyiv Post: Matthew Bryza: Rosneft undermining Venezuela and Iran sanctions

By Atlantic Council

Defense Policy Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

EnergySource

Nov 27, 2019

Is Rosneft undermining “maximum pressure” on Venezuela and Iran as Trump looks away?

By Matthew Bryza

US President Donald Trump is conducting policies of “maximum pressure” on two countries, Venezuela and Iran. In Venezuela, Russia’s state-owned oil company, Rosneft, actively undercuts this US policy by helping them circumvent Washington’s tough economic sanctions. Why doesn't Washington apply broad sanctions against the giant Russian company?

Energy Markets & Governance Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Nov 26, 2019

Cohen in Forbes: Making History: U.S. Exports More Petroleum Than It Imports In September and October

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Nov 25, 2019

Tavakol joins TRT World to discuss the Iranian oil industry and economy

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion
Oil rig

EnergySource

Nov 21, 2019

Finding a path forward for oil and gas companies in the energy transition

By Reed Blakemore, David Yellen

2019 appears to be ending bleakly for the old guard of the energy sector—recent third quarter (Q3) reporting paints a gloomy picture: across the industry, profits have plummeted despite rising oil production. Observers have blamed those results on several potentially transitory headwinds, but are they actually what's driving the concerning outlook?

Energy Transitions Oil and Gas

In the News

Nov 20, 2019

Slavin joins CGTN to discuss Iran protests

By Atlantic Council

Crisis Management Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion
Nord Stream pipe

EnergySource

Nov 18, 2019

Nord Stream 2 poses challenges but also means opportunity for the European Union

By Martin Jirušek

With the Nord Stream 2 (NS2) pipeline’s completion date on the horizon, it is becoming apparent that the European Union (EU) is struggling to agree on how the project should be handled. What are the challenges and opportunities the situation present?

European Union Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Nov 17, 2019

Ellinas in Cyprus Mail: Gloomy outlook: Aphrodite moves to exploitation

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

In the News

Nov 15, 2019

Cohen in Forbes: Investors Evaluating Aramco IPO As Iran Claims Discovery Of New Oil Field

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Geopolitics & Energy Security
TAP pipeline

EnergySource

Nov 14, 2019

Trans Adriatic Pipeline expansion

By Daniel D. Stein

At least some of the energy security value of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) could be in question. While important details remain inaccessible to the public, if Gazprom, a Russian company, is able to book capacity in the expansion of the final leg of the SGC, known as the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), Gazprom would be able to use a project of strategic importance to European energy security to enhance its own position within European energy markets.

European Union Geopolitics & Energy Security
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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

Ben Cahill

Nonresident senior fellow

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

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
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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