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Global ChallengesEnergy SecuritySeptember 21, 2012 | Political Economy of Climate Change in PakistanZulfiqar Shah: Pakistan’s Sindh region has witnessed the devastating impacts of climate change. The region now faces security problems due to increasing rural poverty, ethnic and demographic tensions, and internally displaced persons. Regional and federal policy needs to step in to prevent further conflict, food insecurity, and state failure. …More August 10, 2012 | Politics May Beat Economics in Russia's Oil IndustryWith declining output from onshore fields, Russia’s oil industry is at a new crossroad. ++ Russia needs foreign partners, to stimulate competition and help develop offshore fields in its Arctic region. ++ Given that Putin …More August 8, 2012 | Does Ukraine Stand a Chance in TANAP?Ilqar Fuad Qurbanov: Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has said that his country is open to participate in the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline Consortium (TANAP). Given the political and geographical conditions of TANAP, how plausible is Ukraine’s participation and what costs would it incur? …More July 9, 2012 | Challenging AssumptionsThe chairman of the investigation into the Fukushima disaster lays much of the blame on the shortcomings of Japanese culture. ++ Japan’s famous alliance of bureaucracy and big business allows for substandard regulations. ++ However, focusing too much on …More July 8, 2012 | Dr. Arunas Molis, Vytautas Magnus UniversityDr. Arunas Molis has been a member of atlantic-community.org since 2009 and works as an associated professor at Vytautas Magnus University and lector at Vilnius University. His range of expertise includes energy security, …More July 8, 2012 | The Politics of Pipeline Diplomacy and Energy SecurityIlqar Fuad Qurbanov: If you talk about energy security, it’s inevitable that you will also discuss pipelines. The significance of the pipeline system can be noticed in the foreign energy policy of energy-rich countries such as Russia and has broader implications for regional relations. …More July 5, 2012 | Russia vs the Western Powers: The Politics of Energy in Central AsiaTabish Shah: The consequences of the Russian energy monopoly in Central Asia are not simply limited to the region or its energy supplies; they have the potential to impact upon the geo-strategic balance of the world. …More May 11, 2012 | Return to the EmpireGökhan Tekir: The paper analyzes how the Russian Federation uses energy as a foreign policy instrument. Russia’s main aim is to prevent Western interference in its sphere of influence. This is done by maintaining its hegemon position in supplying Caspian energy sources to Europe. …More March 16, 2012 | From Energy Security Towards Climate ProtectionStephan Vormann: Due to the finiteness of fossil fuels, the development of a low-carbon industry has become an economic necessity. A new approach to energy security that goes beyond NATO’s current “safeguard foreign energy supply” is in dire need. A focus on secure energy after “the age of oil” is therefore in. …More February 13, 2012 | Iranian Oil: Out of Ideas and Out of CashAmrit Deecke Naresh: Western sanctions are just one reason Iran’s oil industry is facing a crisis of output and sustainability. Eventually, Iran’s leaders will have to come to grips with the fact that foreign investment will be needed to prevent its imminent decline. …More January 27, 2012 | The Impact of Iran Sanctions on China and IndiaThe impact of Western sanctions on Iran goes further than “market plays, fire sales and opportunism” for India and China. ++ The long term role Iran plays in their energy security policies has been missed. ++ Iran has sought to …More December 14, 2011 | A Real Chance for Energy SecurityThe practice of “fracking” in domestic production has reversed the trend of US dependence on foreign oil; for the first time in decades, petroleum imports are dropping. ++ While there are environmental concerns, shale oil has the …More December 13, 2011 | History Repeats Itself with Azerbaijan's "Shah"Shahla Sultanova: Like Iran in the 1970s, Azerbaijan’s oil wealth is being funneled into an increasingly ostentatious and autocratic regime that uses its energy reserves to curry favor with the West. Without changes soon, Azerbaijan will also follow Iran into collapse, revolution, and opposition to the West. …More November 16, 2011 | China's Power Play in Sino-Australian TradeEstephanie Henaro: China’s economic outgrowth is about more than commercial relationships. It has used its influence on the Australian economy, traditionally a cornerstone of US-led regional stability, to consolidate its access to key energy supplies and assert its own hegemonic structure in the Pacific. …More November 2, 2011 | The UK and the Uncertainties of Energy SecurityChristian von Campe: Energy security is a key issue for nearly every industrialized state, and the United Kingdom is no exception. This paper examines energy policy in the UK from a threat perspective, and proposes solutions for ensuring the heavy dependence on a sufficient and secure energy supply is not an Achilles heel. …More October 24, 2011 | Time to Call China's Bluff on Environmental RegulationJason Naselli: China’s new environmental regulations on mineral mining are seen by many as a ploy to inflict economic costs on competitors. But they can also be an avenue to open up dialogue between China and the West on environmental policy and our approach to global resource problems. …More October 24, 2011 | A "Natural" Addition to EU Defense PolicyDaniel Fiott: The European economy is heavily dependent on foreign suppliers for key raw materials, but the EU Common Security and Defence Policy makes no mention of a strategy to ensure the security of these important natural resources. That must change. …More October 6, 2011 | The American Biofuel Strategy: The Curious Case of EthanolBen Wells: US policy towards bio-fuel production has always heavily leaned on the use of ethanol. However, with the advent of newer alternatives and the problems of corn production, perhaps it is time to re-assess its effectiveness in the face of growing environmental problems. …More August 30, 2011 | Energy and Terrorism are Dangerously IntertwinedAlexandra Dobra: The world’s eight biggest oil exporters are ripe for a terrorist attack. Any disruption of the energy supply chain could devastate the world economy, so a new set of policies combining hard power (to secure energy) and soft power (to dismantle terrorist networks) must now be implemented. …More August 5, 2011 | Germany's Energy Populism Hurts EuropeMatthew Hulbert & Christian Brutsch: Berlin’s decision to appease voters and phase out nuclear power looks more problematic as energy giants from Germany and Russia merge. The EU is now even more dependent on Russian energy than before, just as Russia turns to Asian markets. As a result, the EU could be left in the cold. …More July 29, 2011 | Germany's Green Energy QuandaryBirgit Hütten: Most Germans support replacing nuclear energy with renewables. But renewable energy is expensive, and many who live near production facilities oppose it. Now, Germany must reconcile the social desirability of green energy with individual citizens’ opposition to its enormous costs. …More July 28, 2011 | Unbroken Nuclear Consensus in Argentina and BrazilChristian E. Rieck: Nuclear energy programs in Argentina and Brazil have recently grown in scope, causing some Western observers to worry. But far from undermining regional stability, enhanced nuclear capability provides Latin America a guarantee of autarky and autonomy. …More July 19, 2011 | Despite Fukushima: Venezuela and Chile Continue Nuclear ProgramsChristian E. Rieck: Chile and Venezuela want to join the nuclear club, using very different extraregional partners to achieve that goal. Chile, governed by a conservative coalition, is using traditional Western suppliers in France and the United States, while Venezuela is placing its bets on Russia and Iran. …More July 5, 2011 | The Nuclear Power Endgame Begins in GermanyR. Andreas Kraemer: Economics, risk assessments and public pressure force many countries to halt nuclear power and shift to green energy. Without a “civilian” use of nuclear technology, a repeal of the Euratom Treaty, and reform of the IAEA and the NPT can be envisioned. …More July 1, 2011 | NATO Needs Global Partners for the Global CommonsFelix F. Seidler: Despite financial constraints, the transatlantic partners must tackle the 21st century’s challenges together. However, the allies will be unable to pursue their interests on the global commons without new partners. Therefore, NATO should push cooperation with global partners who share our values. …More June 16, 2011 | Baltic Sea: Developing a Regional Cooperation for Renewables in the Electricity SectorEurope has the potential to generate all of its electricity from renewable May 30, 2011 | Merkel's Nuclear RevolutionGermany announced a brand new energy strategy, a reversal of the government’s previous policy. ++ According to the new energy plan, nuclear power will be phased out by 2022 at the latest. ++ Despite an expected “massive increase in the use of …More March 29, 2011 | Climate Change is Everyman's ProblemShubha Jaishankar: While deniers cite that climate change is only a rich man’s problem, however, the issue transcends class. Both the rich and the poor, and the believers and the skeptics, will benefit from the job creation and economic boosts of promoting green technology. …More March 24, 2011 | Middle East and North Africa: The Energy Security AspectEce Ozkan: The uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa are challenging not only the authoritative regimes of the region, but also the energy security of the world. States need to be aware of the major implications that regime change can have on energy supplies and markets, vital to the region and the world. …More March 8, 2011 | Energy Geopolitics: Turkey's Role as an Energy HubEce Ozkan: The new “great game” is going to be about natural gas, and the players are already set. This study elaborates on the current debate surrounding the security of natural gas routes and the desire of European officials to find alternatives to Russian backed pipeline projects. December 8, 2010 | The Unused Potential of Hydropower in EuropeHydropower often gets overlooked in the debate surrounding renewable energy, as wind parks and solar or nuclear plants feature prominently in the news. However, this neglect is not justified as hydropower represents an attractive and …More October 4, 2010 | Green Jobs: A Major Opportunity for the US Labor MarketIn September 21, 2010 | China: Energy SuperpowerChina is on its way to changing great power politics in the near future. ++ It has already superseded the US in becoming the biggest energy consumer in the world, a growing matter of concern for America. ++ It also seems that it will soon determine …More September 13, 2010 | Iran's Nuclear ProgramIran’s defiance over its nuclear program has remained a major concern for key international players over the past months. ++ Now, countries like Japan, UAE, and South Korea have also started taking measures to make Iran give up its nuclear …More September 8, 2010 | Nuclear Reprieve is Now the FashionThe German conservative government’s decision to prolong the operating life of the country’s nuclear plants “shows the way for other countries, in particular Spain.” ++ Spain also wants to keep its Garona plant running. ++ However, Berlin is …More August 2, 2010 | When Will Big Oil Ever Learn?Christoph Suess: Big oil suppliers like Halliburton should be humble given the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Instead, they are claiming that the current crisis won’t affect their business significantly. Governments and above all we, the informed public, should not put up with such obscene behaviour. …More July 16, 2010 | Europe Must Choose a Low-Carbon FutureThe European Union should raise its emissions target from a 20 to a 30 percent reduction of the 1990 levels by the year 2020. ++ At the current set target, Europe puts itself at a competitive disadvantage behind China, Japan, and the US in …More June 30, 2010 | Unconventional Gas: Geopolitical EdgeMatthew Neil Hulbert: Breakthroughs in unconventional gas production across America threaten to turn the gas world on its head. But there is a catch: should this prove to be a false dawn for unconventional production either on cost or ecological grounds, then consumers are riding for a fall. …More June 9, 2010 | Holding Big Oil Accountable OnlineThe oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico “must convince governments everywhere that the economic costs of poor regulation of the oil industry can be staggering.” ++ The “colossal disaster” was the result of U.S. regulators …More April 19, 2010 | Offshore Drilling to Shore up Sanctions against Iran?Though it seems like a concession to Republicans, drilling offshore may be an appeal for Iranian sanctions. ++ “According to Steven David of Johns Hopkins University, expanding US oil production ‘could help around …More April 16, 2010 | Little Fallout from Nuclear SummitThe Nuclear Security Summit held recently in Washington drew needed attention to the issue of securing loose nuclear material and resulted in some welcome commitments from nuclear countries in this regard. ++ However, “the final …More March 29, 2010 | EU Energy Policy is on Faulty GroundJakob Schirmer: Last week new EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger announced that the Nabucco pipeline will not be ready until 2018. The day after, he revised his opinion to 2014. What happened and what does this tell us about Oettinger’s plans? EU Energy Policy needs to be more open and honest. …More March 15, 2010 | Fractures in the Ice: The Future of Arctic GovernanceMia M. Bennett: Two groups of states are trying to take the lead on the Arctic battlefront: The “Arctic 5:” Canada, Denmark, Norway, Russia, and the US, versus the Arctic Council, the soft law regional multi-stakeholder institution. Who will dominate the High North power game? …More March 12, 2010 | Will the US Become More Active in the Arctic?Ingrid Lundestad: The United States has stated an intention to become a more active and influential player in the Arctic. What is currently the US position in the region, and what will it look like in the future? …More March 11, 2010 | The Arctic Region: Great Game or International Cooperation?K. S. Yalowitz & R. A. Virginia: The economic downturn is lifting pressure off further harmful resource exploitation development in the Arctic region. Will the international community however seize this unexpected opportunity to tackle environmental challenges? US commitment to UN multilateralism is key. …More March 11, 2010 | The Spill Over Effect of Oil in Iraqi PoliticsOil, far from the blessing it was expected to be, has failed to lift Iraq out of war and economic stagnation. ++ As demonstrated by high levels of corruption in many oil-exporting nations, overreliance on oil for economic growth …More March 4, 2010 | Biomass, an Energy Source of the Future?Jean Pierre Schaeken Willemaers: The current European energy scheme is not sustainable. In that perspective all technological options must be considered and energy savings must be the top priority. Among the current renewable energies, biomass is not given the importance it deserves. …More February 26, 2010 | The Russian Energy Rule is OverFor years, Russia has largely benefited from its “energy super power” strategy. ++ Today, using gas and oil supplies as a tool for the Russian diplomacy is becoming less relevant. ++ While the European market is oversupplied and battles over the …More February 12, 2010 | More Security for the Global Energy MarketThe global energy market is headed towards a crisis. With the entry of China and India, new consumer nations that do not necessarily seek to satisfy their energy needs by the usual commercial deals are forcing their way into the …More February 11, 2010 | Heating-up the Cold War PartnershipUkraine’s new President Yanukovych may be a “twice-convicted felon” and sponsored by Moscow this is still good news for Ukraine. ++ After the disastrous mandate of the Orange revolution’s leader Yushcheko, an improvement in Ukraine-Russia …More February 4, 2010 | Political Pipelines as Diplomatic Fault LinesJoshua Posaner: Europe should strengthen infrastructure across the former Soviet space as opposed to directly competing with Russia on gas pipelines. The White Stream project currently in development by Ukraine provides a possible counterweight to Moscow’s increasing energy dominance and an antidote to Eastern Europe’s increasing isolation. …More February 1, 2010 | Bio-Fueling EuropeManfred Ringpfeil: Nothing could be better for the environment than using natural carbon cycles more effectively and imaginatively, especially considering Europe’s agricultural sector and highly sophisticated technology. In that way, bio fuels have the dual incentives of producing ‘cleaner’ power as well as increasing European energy security. …More January 26, 2010 | The EU Playing Russian RouletteAt wintertime, the relentless Russian blackmail over energy, especially gas, starts all over again. ++ The European Union should ensure warmer relations with Russia in more fields other than gas to ease up tension. ++ European efforts are being …More January 6, 2010 | The Russia-Georgia War and Its Impact on EU Foreign PolicyAleksandra Palagnyuk: The five-day war between Russia and Georgia in 2008 has reveiled the true importance of the Caucasus region to the EU as well other key international players. In this MA thesis I analyse the implications of the conflict for European foreign policy, especially with regards to EU energy security. …More December 14, 2009 | Securing Supplies and Sailing into Blue-WatersDaniel Fiott: China’s quest for natural resources will lead to the strengthening of its navy and possible confrontation with the US. Energy independence can decrease the chances of possible tensions in the world’s oceans and seas. …More December 1, 2009 | The Turkmen TargetA market wary Turkmenistan is slowly opening to foreign enterprise, but the West has not been greeted with open arms. ++ As the central Asian republic houses the fourth largest natural gas reserve, China, the West and the Muslim world are all vying for …More November 20, 2009 | Turkey is Key to Europe's Energy DiversificationSonja Davidovic: Turkey can play a key role in overcoming existing hurdles to the realization of the Nabucco pipeline project, which will augment Europe’s energy security. In return the EU should assist Turkey on its path to EU membership. …More November 2, 2009 | Europe Needs To Liberalize its Gas Market Now!Ivan Kalburov: Instead of paying both the economic and political cost for huge infrastructure projects the EU should liberalize its gas markets. By creating a community regulatory agency for imports, exports and national transport networks the EU would greatly enhance its energy security and international standing. …More October 2, 2009 | China Shapes a New Asian OrderStephen Jerome Blank: As China rises so too does its ability to gain leverage internationally. Beijing is now using this to gain increasing influence from the Russian Far East to Central Asia and opening up a new sphere of influence regionally signaling that China’s long phase on the periphery may be at an end. …More September 29, 2009 | The EU's Energy Security: Exclusion Is Not the Best PolicyJakob Schirmer: If the EaP is tasked with creating a pan European consensus on energy then why does it not include Russia? Exclusion only serves to create divisions between the biggest supplier and the consumer whilst further exacerbating relations between the post Soviet states and Moscow. …More September 16, 2009 | Bulbs and BimmersJens F. Laurson & George A. Pieler: Banning the Edison bulb is an outrageous example of legislative overkill. Energy efficiency is an important issue, but governments have not the right to dictate their people what kind of light they have to use. Laws addressing such personal decisions are a gross violation of one’s right to privacy. …More September 7, 2009 | The Arctic PuzzleThe so-called Arctic 5 of Russia, US, Canada, Norway and Denmark are set for conflict over ownership of land around the North Pole increasingly revealed due to climate change. ++ “Countries are…deeply aware that an ice-free Arctic Ocean would have …More September 3, 2009 | Merkel, Medvedev and the Market Economy: The Fate of WadanJakob Schirmer: Chancellor Merkel and President Putin recently saved the insolvent German shipyards Wadan by supporting its selling to a Russian investor. The media speculated about large scale orders by Gazprom and its affiliates. Although so far, Gazprom has not ordered any ship and the fate of Wadan is still unclear. …More July 23, 2009 | Is Ukraine Heading for a Post Revolution Disaster?Andreas Umland: The Ukrainian Presidential elections scheduled for January 2010 are actually detrimental to the nation’s interests. Ukrainian democracy is weak, and the nation faces the fallout of the world financial crisis and Moscow’s continuously growing imperial appetite. July 7, 2009 | US House Votes for Energy Law: Time for an Energy Revolution? Barack Obama’s July 2, 2009 | Obama Must Approach Turkmenistan and BelarusIn times of international competition for energy resources and strategic partners, the US must move more quickly to embrace a relationship with Turkmenistan and Belarus. ++ China is constructing a gas pipeline to Turkmenistan. ++ …More June 29, 2009 | European Energy Security Requires TransparancyAndrey Chubyk: Achieving energy security in the EU remains one of the most challenging tasks for EU politicians. The recent pipeline crisis in the Ukraine led to the temporary slow down of supply and underlines the urgency of the issue. To prevent further crises, the “European Initiative of Gas Transparency” (EIGT) must be adopted in the Eurasia region. …More May 8, 2009 | Beware of Climate Change HysteriaSupporting green policies as a result of climate change hysteria is misguided not only because of the uncertainty of the dangers that global warming might pose, but also because they will be damaging. ++ The economic downturn means it will be …More May 7, 2009 | NATO War Games Challenge Volatile SituationNATO’s war game maneuvers tell Georgia that it is being considered for candidacy and warns Russia against invading Georgia, stating that the southern Caucuses remain a Western focus.++ However, the timing and nature of the event are …More April 14, 2009 | Death of Cap and Trade System to Be CelebratedTo combat climate change, environmentalists should stop supporting carbon taxes and unworkable market-based cap and trade systems in favor of emphasizing investment in alternative energy. ++ This should be done by implementing …More March 13, 2009 | A Compromise Energy Policy Is Within ReachTony Hayward: The new American energy policy should be a mixture of alternative energies and drilling. Only a compromise will succeed to tackle climate change while guaranteeing energy security and efficiency. …More March 3, 2009 | Developing World: Prosperity via Energy EfficiencyThe key for increasing March 3, 2009 | Energy Producers Fight for Clean WaterWater and energy are the most important resources March 2, 2009 | Nabucco: Azerbaijan's Chance For ProsperityThe gas war has highlighted the urgency of building the Nabucco pipeline. ++ This is good news for Baku as its role in the energy world is likely to increase drastically: it would provide the infrastructure for transporting gas …More February 26, 2009 | Obama Must Allow Ocean Oil DrillingAll US presidents say they want to change our dependency on foreign energy, and yet US oil imports have doubled in 35 years. ++ In the future we should not be choosing between coastal oil drilling and energy conservation, but do both. ++ We …More February 25, 2009 | Berlusconi and Sarkozy: More Than Energy FriendsBerlusconi and Sarkozy have signed an agreement to increase cooperation over nuclear energy and enhance collaboration in related sectors. ++ Yet the get-together turned out to be a compliment race more than an energy agreement. …More February 12, 2009 | Europe Has to Get Serious About EnergyJens F. Laurson & George A. Pieler: In light of the recent gas crisis, the need for a common European energy policy has risen to the top of the EU agenda. The prompt building of the Nabucco pipeline as well as diversification of resources should be incorporated to assure independence from the Kremlin. …More February 5, 2009 | Russians Must Reject New Cold WarThe recent gas crisis is remarkably reminiscent of the Cold War in the sense of fear, insecurity and intimidation which it evoked. ++ Inciting such feelings in one’s adversaries is the typical obsession of a tyrannical regime. ++ Putin …More February 4, 2009 | America's Worst Nightmare Coming TrueImproving relations with Iran might not be as smooth as expected for Obama. ++ Under Russia’s new security strategy, to be adopted end of February, Russia is on the way to making Iran its new strategic partner. ++ An increase in the …More February 3, 2009 | Actions Speak Louder Than WordsSonja Davidovic: Russia‘s shut down of its Balkan gas deliveries with the ink not yet dried on the Serbian Government/Gazprom deal indicates that vulnerable areas such as energy security must be reflected in a European strategy. …More January 29, 2009 | Join America in the New Green RevolutionWill the massive clean energy investments made in the US over the last couple of years be able to make it through the financial storm? Current perspectives are very encouraging: President Barack Obama seems to be committed, as is …More January 23, 2009 | Enough With CoalThe collapse of one of Tennessee Valley Authority’s containment ponds poured toxic coal out in the open causing huge environmental damage. ++ However, there may be something to be gained from the catastrophe as the accident is ringing alarm bells and …More January 21, 2009 | Yushchenko Must Use Gas Deal for Ukrainian UnityThe two-week gas war between Ukraine and Russia was only partly about money. ++ Russia wanted to split the Ukrainian leadership, where support for leader President Yushchenko has fallen to 5%. ++ PM Tymoshenko has also been …More January 21, 2009 | The EU is Helping Moscow's Neo-ImperialistsAndreas Umland: It appears that in the near future, the European Union monitors will systematically observe the flow of Russian gas to Europe at the Russian-Ukrainian border. Thus, the EU seems to be helping to ease the Russian-Ukrainian confrontation. Or is it? …More January 20, 2009 | Cheap Oil Creates Long-Term Global Energy RisksJames Cricks: A strategic examination of the recent oil decline reveals long-term challenges created by a depressed environment. As the International Energy Agency (IEA) warned recently, massive investments are needed to keep global oil supplies from declining as long-term demand for oil increases. January 16, 2009 | 2009: End of the Putin System?Rapid triumph after the South Ossetian August war and oil barrel prices reaching the stars seem to be no more than distant memories for the Kremlin. ++ The financial crisis has hit Russia hard: aside from making oil prices fall under $40 in …More January 13, 2009 | The EU in the Midst of the Gas WarHeavily dependent on Russian gas, the EU has found itself obliged to arbitrate the Russian-Ukranian dispute in order to see its supplies maintained. ++ The difficultly reached agreement under the Czech presidency of the EU, which paves the way …More January 9, 2009 | Gas Dispute Puts Energy Security At Top of EU AgendaMarek Swierczynski: The EU proved to be indispensable in taming the recent gas dispute between Russia and Ukraine. However, it still lacks the means to stabilize crucial energy supplies and oversee political cohesion to protect its most vulnerable members. …More January 8, 2009 | Russia to Blame for Gas CrisisThe Russia-Ukraine gas supply conflict was heightened following Russia’s decision to further reduce gas supplies as a response to Ukraine “stealing” gas aimed for European clients. ++ Ever since the end of the 2005 Orange …More January 7, 2009 | Gazprom's Game is Modelled on English CapitalismWe “wanted Russia to be a market economy, but Russia never asked how.” ++ Gazprom is like the East India Company, from which market economies grew. ++ Other sources are unreliable; China, Japan and India look to Russia for gas. …More December 23, 2008 | Greening the Bailout
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