No state with serious oil wealth has ever transformed into a democracy.

An interactive multimedia feature that maps out and evaluates multilateral efforts to address some of the most difficult international issues.

Interest in natural gas is growing for political, environmental, and economic reasons. But the industry faces challenges to adding pipelines, increasing international LNG trade, and exploiting newly found shale gas reserves.

Morgan Bazilian, Patrick Nussbaumer, Giorgio Gualberti, Erik Haites, Michael A. Levi, Judy Siegel, Daniel M. Kammen, and Joergen Fenhann provide an analysis of energy poverty and the "funding gap" that impedes universal household access to electricity.

Elizabeth Economy argues that China's energy challenges show no signs of abating while Chinese leaders are working feverishly, if imperfectly, to meet them.

Sheila A. Smith says the short-term prognosis for Japan's electricity supply is uncertain, yet it is the longer term effort to reform energy policy that is vital to resolving the current impasse in Japan's nuclear debate.

Elizabeth Economy argues that the biggest challenge that China faces may be lack of access to clean water.

Ray Takeyh argues that despite economic sanctions and other attempts to curtail technological development in Iran, its nuclear program has grown in sophistication and capability over the past two decades.

Michael A. Levi says that when it comes to Iranian nuclear capability, "Distinctions between zero, limited and robust enrichment, and between all of these and a nuclear-armed Iran, really matter."

In his piece for Foreign Policy, Charles Kenny explains how the world is building a low-carbon global economy -- with or without the United States.

Michael A. Levi says attacks on shale producers have been unfair, but the burden falls on the shale industry to restore the public's confidence.

Can the United States improve its energy security in a clean, affordable, and efficient way? Five experts offer solutions to the daunting energy challenges facing the United States.

Duke Energy's Chairman, President, and CEO Jim Rogers discusses the future of energy in the United States with CFR's Senior Fellow for Energy and the Environment, Michael Levi.

Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members have long maintained large oil reserves to limit volatility in oil prices.

Global food prices are being driven up by a number of factors including bad weather, low stocks, and unstable commodities markets. Combating price volatility and protecting food security will take increased agriculture production and better food distribution, experts say.

Sheila A. Smith says the disasters in Japan must be seen as a catalyst not only for building a stronger Japan but for building stronger systems of regional and global cooperation.

In the Financial Times, David Blair writes about the proceedings of OPEC's latest meeting - where Saudi attempts to ease Western oil supply woes were defeated unexpectedly by an Iranian-led coalition.

Experts discuss the relationship of energy with geopolitics, modernity, and the environment, as well as sources of clean and renewable energy.