"Energy Is An Instrument And An Objective Of Geopolitical Tensions" Featuring Dr. Francesco Sassi, University of Oslo

Today we had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Francesco Sassi for a wide-ranging discussion on global energy and geopolitics. Francesco is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Oslo and previously served as a Research Fellow in energy geopolitics and markets at Ricerche Industriali ed Energetiche (RIE). Francesco holds a Ph.D. in Political Science – Geopolitics from the University of Pisa, where he focused his research on the Sino-Russian gas interdependence. We were drawn to his straightforward analysis, insightful commentary, and use of maps to bring complex dynamics to life. We were thrilled to visit with Francesco and learn from his perspective.   In our conversation, we explore the rise of political risk in energy markets and the growing global interdependence of the energy system, driven by factors such as China’s increasing influence in shaping energy geopolitics, new interdependencies created by energy technology, trade and manufacturing, as well as disruptions like COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war. We examine Russian gas volumes to Europe, Spain’s leadership in clean energy and the implications of its recent blackout, and the dual forces shaping Europe: rising cross-border interconnectivity projects alongside increasing energy nationalism. We touch on President Trump’s recent visit to the Middle East, which is part of broader interest in energy and AI investment in the region, OPEC+ strategy, market share pressures, and the impact of low oil prices on Russia. Francesco shares his perspective on the potential for a Putin-Zelensky meeting, tensions between India and Pakistan, and how energy policy is becoming increasingly central to electoral platforms in Europe. We turn to Argentina’s recent progress under President Milei, Israeli investment in lithium extraction technology in Argentina’s lithium triangle, and how energy and mineral resources are increasingly being used as tools of foreign policy and geopolitical leverage. We close with Francisco’s thoughts on the growing power of energy as a force shaping international relations and global industrial strategy. It was a dynamic and insightful conversation.   Mike Bradley kicked off the discussion by noting that broader markets rallied substantially on Monday following news that China and the U.S. have agreed to a “tentative” tariff deal. Broader equity markets (S&P 500) have completely retraced their losses since Trump’s April 2nd Day of Liberation and are now up slightly (+4%). Meanwhile, the S&P Volatility Index has plunged from its April 8th tariff volatility highs and is now trading near YTD lows, something to be monitored closely as any surprise event could send broader markets lower. On the bond market front, the 10yr bond yield is trading sideways even though April CPI came in lower than expected. PPI will be released on Wednesday and if it too prints lower than expected, it could provide room for the Fed to begin cutting rates at their June 18th FOMC meeting. On the crude oil front, WTI price has rebounded nicely over the past week and now trades at ~$63/bbl. Oil traders remain focused on future OPEC+ production increases and increasingly on whether U.S. E&Ps will begin altering their 2025 capex plans at these lower prices levels. He wrapped up with a look at key events this week, notably NRG Energy’s acquisition of LS Power’s portfolio of natural gas generation assets (~13gw for ~$12 billion). The move follows Constellation Energy’s mid-January deal to acquire Calpine Corp. and demonstrates that both companies are positioning themselves for an acceleration in electricity growth this decade.   Many thanks to Francesco for sharing his time and insights with us today. We hope you enjoy the discussion as much as we did! Our best to you all.