Recent analysis

Why Africa matters to US national security

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
Why Africa matters to US national security

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
Why Africa matters to US national security

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

Online Event Tue, July 29, 2025 • 10:30 am ET

One year later: Venezuela’s presidential election and the road ahead
Americas Civil Society Corruption Democratic Transitions

EnergySource

Jun 18, 2025

Energy security is only achievable through global partnerships

By Elena Benaim, Paddy Ryan

The Atlantic Council’s flagship Global Energy Forum concluded its programming in Washington, DC, today. What emerged as a central theme throughout was the undeniable need for any single country to engage in international partnerships to achieve energy and national security, whether speakers were discussing divergent transatlantic views, nuclear power, or critical mineral supply chains.

Africa Americas
Flagship Event Tue, June 17, 2025 • 9:00 am ET

2025 Global Energy Forum

The ninth Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum was held on June 17 and 18 in Washington, DC.
Africa Americas Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment
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Content

Report

May 25, 2017

Why Africa matters to US national security

By Grant T. Harris

African nations have rarely been perceived as essential partners in the pursuit of US national security and economic interests, but a re-assessment of Africa’s strategic importance is past due. Transnational threats emanating from the continent continue to evolve, and trade and investment relationships have deepened. A better and broader understanding of the threats and opportunities […]

Africa Climate Change & Climate Action

Report

Apr 27, 2017

The Caspian Sea and Southern Gas Corridor: A view from Russia

By Bud Coote

While Russia’s initial energy development strategy in the Caspian has been predicated on maintaining dominance, the presence of alternative projects and infrastructure can create new “facts on the ground” that alter Russian behavior, influencing it in a more competitive direction. By analyzing the evolution of Russia’s energy development strategy in contexts across Central Asia, from Turkey to Georgia, this report illustrates the potential for market integration and interconnectivity to foster energy market competition and influence behavior.

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Apr 9, 2017

Vakhshouri joins BBC Persian News Hours to Discuss Rhum Gas Field in North Sea

By Sara Vakhshouri

Watch the full interview here.

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

Global Energy Forum

Mar 20, 2017

Downstream oil theft: Implications and next steps

By Dr. Ian M. Ralby

On January 13, 2017, the Atlantic Council launched a major study on downstream oil theft at its inaugural Global Energy Forum in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Downstream Oil Theft: Implications and Next Steps draws on the launch event to examine the implications of the study's findings and to suggest tangible next steps in both further investigating this global scourge and beginning to confront it effectively.

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

In the News

Mar 19, 2017

Grigas in the National Interest: Shale Shock: How to Use America’s Energy Market as a Foreign Policy Tool

By Agnia Grigas

Read the full article here.

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

In the News

Mar 14, 2017

Shaffer Quoted by CNBC on OPEC and US Shale

By Brenda Shaffer

Read the full article here.

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

Report

Jan 6, 2017

Key risks companies face in petroleum investment and operations

By Bud Coote and Karl V. Hopkins

Risk and uncertainty pervade decisions on petroleum investments and operations, raising the stakes for companies committing to multibillion dollar contracts often extending twenty or more years. The array of risk factors is diverse, requiring multidisciplinary analysis to decipher. What are the lessons learned from a variety of experiences and some risk mitigation options?

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

Global Energy Forum

Jan 6, 2017

Downstream oil theft: Global modalities, trends, and remedies

By Ian M. Ralby

Hydrocarbons crime, in all its forms, has become a significant threat not only to local and regional prosperity but also to global stability and security. Combating this pervasive criminal activity is made only more difficult by the reality that many of those in a position to curb hydrocarbons crime are the ones benefiting from it.

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

Report

Jan 6, 2017

India’s energy needs and the Arab/Persian Gulf

By Jean-François Seznec

India has tried to diversify its sources of crude oil, but due to its proximity to the Gulf, it still relies a great deal on Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq as its major suppliers, while Qatar provides most of its natural gas needs. What is the present crude oil and natural gas situation in India and the role played by the Gulf producers, especially Iran and Saudi Arabia?

Energy & Environment India

Issue Brief

Jan 6, 2017

Post-Vienna: Prospects for Iran’s oil production and exports

By Sara Vakhshouri

As the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal ushers Iran back into international energy markets, its oil and gas industry is poised to reach its full potential. With Iranian oil production and exports already rising following the nuclear deal, this paper examines scenarios for Iran’s full reentry into international oil and gas markets.

Energy & Environment Iran
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Experts

Fellow

Mamadou Fall Kane

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Energy & Environment

Fellow

Edward Verona

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Economy & Business

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

Agnia Grigas

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Eastern Europe Energy Markets & Governance

Fellow

Inwook Kim

Nonresident Fellow

empowerME Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

English Geopolitics & Energy Security
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Events

Online Event Tue, July 29, 2025 • 10:30 am ET

One year later: Venezuela’s presidential election and the road ahead
Americas Civil Society Corruption Democratic Transitions