In the present context of high oil prices, tensions and war in the Middle East and re-nationalization of energy resources, 'energy security' has captured the headlines. The term, however, can be elusive, as security may be sought through win-win relations as well as through retrenchment and adversarial relations. The nature of global and regional Energy Governance is an essential influence on which of these alternatives is perceived as optimal to pursue.

The CEMTPP Global Energy Governance program is intended, at the same time, to shed light on key dimensions of this governance challenge and to contribute to a high-level dialogue on relations between exporting, net importing countries and key private players. It consists of a series of high profile events and targeted research projects.

The Global Energy Governance Lectures bring key players to Columbia for presentation of their perspectives and/or initiatives. In 2007-2008, the series has focused on governance challenges associated with Eurasian oil and gas. Vladimir MILOV, former Deputy Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation and President of the Moscow-based Energy Policy Institute, shared his views on Russian energy policy. Thane GUSTAFSON, Senior Director for Russia and Central Asia at CERA and Professor at Georgetown University shared insights from his many first-hand contacts in Russia and from his forthcoming book on Yukos. Former German Chancellor Gerhardt SCHROEDER delivered the 2007 Silver Award lecture in a widely attended event co-sponsored by CEMTPP.

On the research side, the CEMTPP Working Group on Transit Countries is conducting work on the various regulatory regimes applied to oil and gas pipelines in Eurasia and the ensuing tensions. The initial results of this work will be presented as part of a panel organized and chaired by Professors BRESSAND and NISSEN during the June 2008 Annual Meeting of the International Association of Energy Economists (IAEE) in Istanbul.

© 2008 CEMTPP