ARTICLES

A new agreement to import Russian gas through Azerbaijan – signed by Iran’s president in Moscow — may reflect difficulties in constructing a pipeline under the Caspian Sea. Among the many challenges it faces as its regional alliances buckle, Iran is also experiencing a severe energy crisis despite possessing the world’s second-largest …

President Donald Trump has promised to drastically lower oil prices in the United States during his second term—but the world’s oil-producing states may not allow him. U.S. President Donald Trump’s ambitious plan to revitalize the American oil sector and slash prices, a key promise of his reelection campaign, may be …

On 7 August 2024, Turkish defense firm Aselsan’s CEO Ahmet Akyol unveiled on his X/twitter account the “Steel Dome” concept to build a network-centric, AI-assisted, layered air defense system that would protect the nation’s entire air space at all altitudes/ranges, against all types of airborne threats.[1] Although the concept resembles Israel’s …

The fall of Assad marks a pivotal blow to Iran’s regional strategy, reshaping its influence in the Middle East. Radical shifts in the regional balance of power have forced Iran to reconsider its long-held foreign policy of propping up anti-U.S. and anti-Israel forces—the so-called “Axis of Resistance,” a strong network of proxy …

Iran is facing serious environmental challenges exacerbated by climate change, which threaten its long-term sustainability. Rising temperatures, acute water shortages, and increasing frequency of natural disasters such as droughts and floods are placing mounting pressure on the nation’s ecosystems and agriculture. Iran’s heavy reliance on gas and oil, combined with …

The U.S.-Turkey relationship faces considerable challenges and opportunities during Trump’s second term, emphasizing defense cooperation, economic ties, and regional security. Observers in Ankara are cautiously optimistic that Trump’s transactional diplomacy could help resolve contentious issues, leveraging common interests in this crucial bilateral relationship despite the complex geopolitical environment.[1] The personal …

Egypt and Saudi Arabia advance a significant power grid interconnection, enhancing regional energy exchange and cooperation. Saudi Arabia and Egypt, two of the most powerful countries in the Arab world, have long enjoyed strong diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations. The two nations’ cooperation on regional security issues has further cemented their …

The following article is based on research conducted under the State Department’s Title VIII Fellowship, for the Black Sea Program at MEI. During summer 2024, the author traveled to Baku and Karabakh and interviewed 15 policymakers from various government ministries, the private sector, academia, the parliament, and energy agencies. Azerbaijan …

In the run-up to the next U.S. presidential elections, energy security is becoming an increasingly important issue. Candidates’ suggested methods for improving energy security are being closely examined as they present their energy agendas. While some place greater emphasis on attaining energy independence, others give priority to more general goals …

The United Arab Emirates has decided to leverage its immense wealth to bring about a green revolution, but staying the path will require an enduring commitment. As increasingly devastating climate events underline the need to transition away from fossil fuels, the rapid and sustainable development of renewable energy resources has …