What is energy security? On April 12-13, the Council on Foreign Relations convened academics, policymakers, and industry experts to assess the security implications of the way the world produces and consumes oil and natural gas. The workshop aimed to explore important issues at the intersection of oil, gas, and national security, and identify areas for future research. The first day focused on assessing the state of knowledge on energy and security, while the second explored U.S. policy options going forward. This summary report presents a broad agenda for energy security research that emerged from the meeting.

Correspondent Kira Kay reports on a Canadian hunt for "rare earth" minerals, elements mined almost exclusively in China, that are key to emerging green technologies, cell phones, engines and other high-tech devices despite their short supply.

John Campbell argues, "Despite China's escalating energy requirements, its attempts to expand its energy relationship with Nigeria have largely failed."

Will the massive oil spill in the gulf have any impact on the U.S. relationship to oil? Will it spur more investment in so-called clean energy? Will it improve the prospects of climate and energy legislation?

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has analyzed the research on the effects that policies to reduce greenhouse gases would have on employment.

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill is not just a problem to clean up, says CFR's Michael Levi, it has serious commercial implications for some oil firms and has dimmed the prospects of U.S. climate legislation.

Listen to Robert Kaplan discuss China's expanding influence on land and at sea.

Jeffrey Mankoff and Leland R. Miller discuss opportunities for the United States to help maintain security and stability in Central Asia.

The Economist tells why so little is known about the effects of erupting volcanoes on air travel and their potential long-term effects.

Elizabeth C. Economy testifies before the U.S.-China Economic & Security Review Commission of the U.S. House of Representatives on China's evolving climate change diplomacy and relations with the developing world, as well as implications for the U.S. policy and investment.

Michael A. Levi and Katherine Michonski discuss the consequences of the World Bank's refusal to fund a controversial coal-fired power plant in South Africa.

Thomas W. Lippman examines a looming food and water crisis in Saudi Arabia.

Howard Kurtz of the Washington Post presents a round-up of views on Obama's recent reversal of the ban on offshore drilling.

President Barack Obama's move to expand oil and gas drilling in U.S. coastal waters aims mainly to build political support for his energy agenda, but will have limited impact on oil markets, writes CFR's Michael Levi.

After decades of decline, nuclear power is increasingly presented as a low-carbon way to meet growing electricity demands. Global construction of new reactors is on the rise, but there still exists an array of obstacles to expansion. This interactive guide explores the past, present, and future of nuclear power, focusing on its unique benefits and risks.