Dr. Umud Shokri is an energy strategist and senior foreign policy advisor with more than two decades of experience analyzing global energy markets, energy security, and the geopolitics of oil and natural gas. Holding a Ph.D. in International Relations, his research and policy work focus on the intersection of energy markets, climate policy, and international security. Dr. Shokri’s expertise spans global oil and gas dynamics, energy transition strategies, clean energy technologies, and the geopolitical implications of energy supply chains. Throughout his career, he has advised policymakers, governments, and industry stakeholders on navigating the complex relationship between energy, environment, and global power competition.
Dr. Shokri currently serves as a Senior Visiting Fellow at George Mason University, where he contributes to research and policy discussions on global energy security, geopolitical risk, and energy transition. His work examines how shifts in energy markets, from oil and gas supply disruptions to emerging clean energy technologies, reshape international relations and strategic competition. He is widely recognized for his analysis of energy developments in the Middle East, Eurasia, and the Caspian region, particularly in relation to sanctions, energy diplomacy, and infrastructure security.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Shokri has collaborated with government institutions, academic organizations, and energy companies to develop strategies addressing evolving global energy challenges. His work includes policy research, strategic advisory roles, and published analysis on energy diplomacy, energy infrastructure vulnerability, and regional energy integration. Among his notable contributions is the policy study “U.S. Energy Diplomacy in the Caspian Sea Basin,” which examines the strategic importance of energy cooperation and infrastructure development in Eurasia.
Dr. Shokri is also deeply engaged in advancing discussions on energy transition and environmental sustainability. His work explores how governments and corporations can align energy strategies with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks while maintaining energy security and economic stability. By integrating insights from geopolitics, market analysis, and technological innovation, he provides guidance on balancing climate goals with the realities of global energy demand and geopolitical competition.
In addition, Dr. Shokri serves as a Black Sea State Department Title VIII Fellow, conducting research on energy transition and regional energy security in the Caspian and Black Sea regions. His current work focuses on Azerbaijan’s energy transition and preparations for COP29, examining the country’s efforts to diversify its energy mix, expand renewable energy capacity, and reduce carbon emissions. Through engagement with policymakers, researchers, and industry experts, he contributes analysis and policy recommendations aimed at supporting sustainable energy development and strengthening regional energy resilience.
Dr. Shokri frequently publishes analysis and commentary on global energy markets, energy geopolitics, and security developments in leading policy platforms and international media. His work helps inform policymakers, analysts, and industry leaders seeking to understand the evolving relationship between energy, geopolitics, and global economic stability.