As the GCC states undergo economic diversification efforts, they have increasingly turned to China for help—and Beijing has happily reciprocated. The geopolitical environment surrounding renewable technology and essential minerals is changing dramatically as the globe speeds up its journey to sustainable energy. China, which has become the main actor in the …
Read More »Critical Minerals and the U.S.-China Trade War
The U.S.-China trade war grew more intense in 2018 due to several factors, including concerns about trade imbalances, intellectual property theft, and restrictions on market access. These issues led to several wars as both countries sought to assert their economic dominance. When the U.S. placed tariffs on a range of …
Read More »Trump’s energy imperatives
Increased oil supplies will moderate prices. But renewable energy will now have to compete with fossil fuel industryBy Richa Mishra ticking to his narrative of “Drill, Baby, Drill”, on January 20 Donald Trump, after taking office as the American President for the second time, declared National Energy Emergency. The objective of …
Read More »The Pitfalls of an America-First Energy Policy
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 …
Read More »COP29 and Iran: Overcoming Sanctions, Fossil Fuel Dependence, and Harnessing China’s Role in the Clean Energy Transition
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 …
Read More »Bridging Borders: China’s Investments in Mexico Amidst U.S.-China Trade Conflicts
China has become a major force in Latin America in recent years, and its investment tactics have changed the economic landscape of the area. Because of its advantageous location, strong manufacturing capabilities, and trade agreements like the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Mexico is one of the most attractive countries in Latin …
Read More »Green Light for Energy: Egypt-Saudi Arabia Interconnection Project Moves Forward
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 …
Read More »Geopolitical Rivalries in the South Caucasus: Evaluating the Aras Corridor as an Alternative to Zangezur
Rival transit corridor projects have centered on the South Caucasus as it becomes more and more important in connecting Europe and Asia. These corridors serve as hubs for international trade integration, regional stability, and economic progress in addition to being routes for transit. The Zangezur Corridor is unique among these …
Read More »Breaking Down Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Climate Agenda
After decades of growing rich on oil exports, Riyadh recognizes that it must adapt to a changing climate and global economy if the Kingdom—and Saudi leaders are betting big. In the last half-decade, Saudi Arabia has deliberately set out to realize a green economy and achieve an energy transition that …
Read More »Azerbaijan’s green shift: Energy transition, COP29 commitments, and US collaboration
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 …
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