Energy Geopolitics and Post-Conflict Reconstruction in MENA

February 19, 2026

Energy is one of the most significant arenas for political power and post-war recovery across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. As conflicts fracture infrastructure and unsettle long-standing alliances, energy systems are increasingly shaping both the course of instability and the possibilities for reconstruction. This webinar examines how energy diplomacy, reconstruction finance, and shifting geopolitical competition are redefining recovery efforts amid uncertainty and strategic rivalry. Drawing on a multidisciplinary lens, the panel of experts explores how shifting power balances and evolving economic interests influence prospects for cooperative energy strategies, the role of the state, and the risks posed by unresolved political disputes and ongoing instability.

The “Shifting Paradigms” series addresses the complex and evolving landscape of international relations, focusing on how global power structures are changing and what that means for stability, security, and cooperation worldwide. The discussions bring together experts in political science, economics, international relations, history, and security studies to present a multidisciplinary perspective on the topic. This series is in collaboration with the Columbia Global Centers in Istanbul + Amman, the Committee on Global Thought and the Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University. 


Columbia Global Center Amman advances knowledge sharing through public events, research projects, educational workshops, and practical trainings to connect ideas and perspectives across local and global contexts. Contact us to explore opportunities to partner, collaborate, or participate in our upcoming programs and events. We continue to build on our work together across our key thematic areas.

Speaker Spotlight

Adam Tooze (Moderator), Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Professor of History; the Chair of the Committee on Global Thought, Columbia University; Director, European Institute

Raad Alkadiri, Managing Partner, 3TEN32 Associates; Senior Associate (Non-resident), Energy Security and Climate Change Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies

Marc Ayoub, Energy Policy Researcher, Associate Fellow, Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, American University of Beirut

Belgin San-Akça, Professor and Chair, Department of International Relations, Koç University

Karen E. Young, Senior Research Scholar at the Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University