Content

Issue Brief

Jul 15, 2020

United G20 must pave the way for robust post-COVID-19 recovery

By Phil Thornton

The world is facing unprecedented health and economic crises that require a global solution. Governments have locked down their economies to contain the mounting death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic. With this response well underway, now is the time to move into a recovery effort.

China Coronavirus
An elevated view of Saudi Arabia

In-Depth Research & Reports

Jun 17, 2020

Assessing Saudi Vision 2030: A 2020 review

By Stephen Grand, Katherine Wolff

Executive summary When global oil prices collapsed in summer 2014, Saudi Arabia confronted one of the most daunting economic challenges of its modern history. Upon ascending to the throne the following year, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and his son Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (now the crown prince) responded by developing an ambitious […]

Economy & Business Energy Transitions

MENASource

May 4, 2020

Will Saudi Arabia’s private sector be able to hold up during a pandemic?

By Abdullah F. Alrebh

On April 3, the Saudi government issued a royal decree allocating $2.4 billion to compensate citizens who work in the private sector in facilities affected by the pandemic. However, such bounteous support might only reduce the problem, not solve it.

Coronavirus Middle East

In the News

May 4, 2020

Fontenrose joins NPR’s Morning Edition to discuss Saudi oil tankers headed toward US

By Atlantic Council

Oil and Gas Saudi Arabia

In the News

Apr 30, 2020

Blakemore quoted in Al Jazeera on oil price crisis and US-Saudi relations

By Atlantic Council

Oil and Gas Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Apr 29, 2020

Cohen in Forbes: Oil Prices May Recover Before 2021

By Atlantic Council

Europe & Eurasia Oil and Gas

New Atlanticist

Apr 12, 2020

OPEC’s historic deal may still not be enough

By Randolph Bell and Reed Blakemore

On April 12, a meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and ten other oil producing countries (known as OPEC+) reached a historic deal to cut 9.7 million barrels per day (bpd) to meet the historic challenge of a COVID-19-driven drop in demand. But as the oil market digests OPEC’s and OPEC+’s largest-ever single oil production cut in the face of an overwhelming demand shock, the question remains: will it be enough?

Oil and Gas Russia

In the News

Apr 10, 2020

Cohen in Forbes: Too Little Too Late? Russia And Saudi Arabia Reach Truce In Oil Price War

By Atlantic Council

Oil and Gas Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Apr 9, 2020

The compelling incentives for Saudi-Russian rapprochement

By Alan Riley

The impact of this price war combined with the demand destruction triggered by the impact of the coronavirus are likely to force both Russian and Saudi Arabia back to the negotiating table to agree a deal which will—at least in substance—restore OPEC plus, sooner rather than later.

Coronavirus Energy Markets & Governance

New Atlanticist

Mar 26, 2020

Dual demand and supply shocks have created historic oil crisis, IEA executive director says

By David A. Wemer

Dramatically lower oil demand due to the coronavirus pandemic and an emerging supply glut caused by the failure of major oil producers to cut production has slammed the global oil market with a crisis “unique in history,” according to Dr. Fatih Birol.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy Markets & Governance
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Experts

Fellow

Stefanie Hausheer Ali

Nonresident Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Fellow

Simin Kargar

Nonresident Fellow

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Cybersecurity Disinformation

Events

Online Event Thu, July 17, 2025 • 9:30 am ET

Book talk: A portrait of ‘the man who would be king’
Economy & Business Energy & Environment Middle East Politics & Diplomacy