Vanand Meliksetian has extended experience working in the energy sector. His involvement with the fossil fuel industry as well as renewables makes him an allrounder who is not limited to certain topics. Furthermore, Vanand has worked as a management consultant for international energy companies such as Total and Vattenfall where he has gained detailed knowledge of the requirements of the private sector. He has expanded his understanding of the energy sector working for the Dutch government where he worked on the development of the North Sea energy strategy.
Vanand’s articles reflect his personal views and are not connecting to his work. He specializes in geopolitics, innovation, and policy.
The oil and gas reserves of the Middle East are unmatched. It has been the region’s most important source of revenue and wealth for the…
Russia’s mineral and energy wealth has given it a second chance in global affairs after the Cold War and the implosion of the Soviet Union.…
Energy independence is an important precondition for any country which allows for relatively unbound foreign and economic policies. China’s growing reliance on imports concerning fossil…
The Chinese economic engine requires vast quantities of raw materials such as coal to power industries. While the majority of the coal is mined domestically,…
Oil is sometimes referred to as ‘black gold’. The discovery and export of fossil fuels have led to tremendous wealth creation for certain countries. In…
China is the world's largest consumer of coal and the largest emitter of greenhouse gasses. With that in mind, Beijing’s recent announcement that it intends…
Japan is famous for its unique culture and technological prowess. What makes the world's third-largest economy even more remarkable is the absence of significant natural…
Economic expansion strongly correlates with CO2 emissions as more energy is needed to power factories, transportation, and a higher standard of living. India is not…
The Chinese economy has been the single largest contributor to global growth over the past several decades. Fossil fuel producers around the world closely watch…
Europe’s relationship with Russia has soured over the years due to diverging political views and crises such as Ukraine’s reorientation towards the West. Also, energy…
The departure of Shinzo Abe as Japan’s Prime Minister created political shock waves across the world. The succession by his righthand man, chief cabinet secretary…
Most of India’s recent history can be characterized by economic isolationism and import independence. However, policy changes and reforms have unleashed the country’s potential leading…
Sunday the 27th of September 2020, fighting flared up again in the South Caucasus between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The most recent war has displaced tens…
The Chinese economic growth miracle is disrupting the global balance of power. President Trump’s trade war with China was the latest manifestation of Washington’s effort…
The ongoing demonstrations in Belarus and the looming instability are a threat to both Russia and the EU. Moscow prefers the continuation of Lukashenko's regime…
The Arab Spring was the start of an ideological conflict between Turkey and the wealthy Arab Gulf nations. Turkish assertiveness is strengthened by an expanding…
Australia is blessed with large mineral and energy deposits. The rise of China and its insatiable appetite for iron ore and energy, two of Australia's…
The discovery of Cyprus’ first gas field, offshore in the Eastern Mediterranean, was reason for celebration in December 2011. Rising tensions with Turkey and the…
Australia is facing its first recession in 30 years. The Covid-19 pandemic ended an unprecedented period for the country’s economy which expanded consecutively for decades.…
The late senator John McCain once said about Russia, “the country is a gas station masquerading as a state." Although the politician is speaking from…