Energy Security Policy Initiative

What We Do

The Institute for Security Studies' Energy Security Policy Initiative is an independent, non-partisan enterprise that conducts and disseminates rigorous and independent research and analysis assisting U.S. and international policymakers in the development of long-term energy security policies within the context of global trends and challenges. read more »

Research

In addition to supporting general research in the area of energy security, the Energy Security Policy Initiative focuses on four specific areas of research: (1) energy and conflict, (2) the political economy and security aspects of green energy, (3) energy infrastructure, and (4) Intermountain West energy.
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Who We Are

The Energy Security Policy Initiative features a diverse group of experts within the UNLV community as well recognized domestic and international experts to produce and disseminate thoughtful research and analysis. This community of experts provides considerable depth and breadth of knowledge and experience to the complex issue of energy security. Heading the Initiative is Dr. Nancy Brune, current Director of Research and Outreach at the ISS. Dr. Brune has a strong background in quantitative and policy analysis and research, and is currently researching the impact of the recent nationalization of companies by foreign governments on energy policies and global energy security. Dr. Brune received her Ph.D. from Yale University and a M.P.P and B.A from Harvard University. read more »

Past Events

The ISS hosted a panel discussion to a full house at the Atomic Testing Museum on Thursday, April 16th, 2009.  The forum was entitled “Minimizing the Impact of Conflict on U.S. Energy Security.” The engaged audience heard opening remarks from ISS Executive Director, Scott Smith.  Included on the panel was Dr. Tyrus W. Cobb, CEO of the Northern Nevada Network and former special assistant to President Reagan; Dr. Ted Robert Gurr, an internationally recognized expert in ethnic conflict; and Dr. Dennis Pirages, UNLV Dean’s Professor of Government in the Department of Political Science. read more »

UNLV’s Institute for Security Studies hosted on November 14th, 2008, a rountable discussion entitled "Reducing U.S. Dependence on Foreign Oil: Lessons From Abroad" which focused on energy security issues. The event was attended by more than 100 guests from the energy security, research, government, and public and private sectors. The roundtable panelists who shared their insights were Dr. Jack Caravelli, fomer Senior Adviser to the U.S. Secretary of Energy and the author of Nuclear Insecurity; Professor Tatsuo Masuda, Adviser to the Chairman, Japan Petroleum Exploration Co. and former President, Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre; Professor Phil Hutchinson, Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and Chairman of Letcombe Technology Ltd.; Dr. Oliver Hemmers, Director of the Office of Strategic Energy Programs at UNLV; and Dr. Dennis Pirages, Dean's Professor of Government at the Department of Political Science at UNLV. read more »

Future Plans

In addition to broad research areas, the Energy Security Policy Initiative includes two strategic programs: (1) The Political Economy of U.S. Energy Security Policy: Building a Secure and Sustainable Energy Portfolio and (2) Global Energy Security: Strategies for America and its Allies. As part of these program areas, the Initiative will organize and host a series of workshops, policy summits and security forums. In addition, the Initiative's leadership will edit two books on the issue of global and national energy security. read more »