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

Slavin quoted in The Washington Examiner on US-Iran relations

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
Slavin quoted in The Washington Examiner on US-Iran relations

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
Slavin quoted in The Washington Examiner on US-Iran relations

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

In the News

Sep 19, 2019

Slavin quoted in The Washington Examiner on US-Iran relations

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Sep 19, 2019

Fontenrose quoted in CNN on Saudi oil attacks and U.S. action

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Middle East

New Atlanticist

Sep 19, 2019

The logic of Iran’s attack on Saudi Arabia

By Henry Rome and Robert Johnston

While previously mere threats against the safety of shipping were enough to send tremors through oil markets and spook past US presidents, Iranian leaders have seemed powerless to respond to the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Slavin quoted in NPR on Saudi oil attack and Trump Administration

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Middle East

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Slavin quoted in NPR on attacks on Saudi oil field

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Middle East

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Cohen joins Bloomberg to discuss surgical strikes and Iran

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Iran

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Cohen joins Al Jazeera to discuss the Abqaiq-Khurais attacks and oil price volatility

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Cohen in Newsweek: Donald’s Dilemma: Can He Retaliate to Attack on Saudi Oil Fields Without Starting a War with Iran?

By Atlantic Council

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Fontenrose joins BBC to discuss Saudi oil attack

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Iran

Press and members call

Sep 17, 2019

Atlantic Council press call: Saudi Aramco attacks

By Atlantic Council

Following the September 14 attack on two Saudi Aramco facilities, Atlantic Council experts Kirsten Fontenrose, Phillip Cornell, Ellen Wald, Jean-Francois Seznec, and Randolph Bell unpack the latest developments and offer insight into the ramifications for global energy markets, regional security, and the anticipated Aramco IPO.

Infrastructure Protection 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