This website uses cookies as well as similar tools and technologies to understand visitors’ experiences. By continuing to use this website, you consent to Columbia University’s usage of cookies and similar technologies, in accordance with the Columbia University Website Cookie Notice.
Energy Explained
Get the latest as our experts share their insights on global energy policy.
Structuring a US Sovereign Wealth Fund
This Energy Explained post represents the research and views of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of the Center on Global Energy Policy. The piece...
Podcasts
Hear in-depth conversations with the world’s top energy and climate leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society.
Energy’s Role in Ukraine Peace Talks
After more than three years of intense fighting following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the path to end the war has been challenging. President Trump has...
News
Richard Nephew, former Deputy Sanctions Chief at the Department of State, to join as Research Scholar and Program Director
January 29, 2015
New York, NY — The Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) announced Richard Nephew today as a Research Scholar and Program Director of the Center’s newly launched program on Economic Statecraft, Sanctions and Energy Markets. You can read an overview of the program here (PDF). Nephew’s work will focus on the intersection between financial statecraft and energy markets, particularly recent experience with energy sanctions.
Nephew joins the Center February 1, 2015 directly from his role as Principal Deputy Coordinator for Sanctions Policy at the Department of State, a position he held since February 2013. Nephew also served as the lead sanctions expert for the U.S. team negotiating with Iran. From May 2011 to January 2013 Nephew served as the Director for Iran on the National Security Staff where he was responsible for managing a period of intense expansion of U.S. sanctions on Iran. Earlier in his career he served in the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation at the State Department and in the Office of Nonproliferation and International Security at the Department of Energy. Nephew holds a Masters in Security Policy Studies and a Bachelors in International Affairs, both from The George Washington University.
“In recent years, sanctions have been used in increasingly novel and targeted ways by Western governments. Richard has been at the center of recent Obama Administration sanctions initiatives, particularly targeting Iran. As the oil market is rapidly changing, new sanctions are contemplated on Capitol Hill, and the P5+1 negotiations continue, Richard’s experience will help us better understand the lessons from recent financial statecraft efforts for future policymakers,” said Jason Bordoff, founding director of the Center on Global Energy Policy. “Such real-world experience is incredibly valuable as we fulfill our mission or producing policy-relevant research. He will add a tremendous perspective to the Center’s growing team.”
Related
More News
The US doesn’t have a climate policy now — until Washington is back at the global table, world environmental progress will be slow: Noah Kaufman
Economist Noah Kaufman discusses the complexities of America's energy transition, highlighting the decline of coal despite federal rhetoric. He emphasizes the need to address the economic vulnerabilities of fossil fuel-dependent communities, particularly oil and gas regions often overlooked in climate policies. Kaufman also warns that potential tariffs and US disengagement from global climate agreements could hinder progress.
The real impacts of Trump 2.0 on energy finance
Be sure to sign into your Energy Central account (register for free here) to access this full post with the podcast recording. What does a change in U.S. presidential administrations have to do with stalled solar farms in Sub-Saharan Africa or wind projects in Southeast Asia? As it turns out, quite a lot. On this episode of Power Perspectives, we explore how U.S. policy shifts
Earth Day 2025: How the Trump administration’s policies will impact global decarbonization
The actions of the Trump administration will significantly decelerate the race to decarbonize economies around the world, according to energy and climate change experts.
Relevant
Publications
Structuring a US Sovereign Wealth Fund
This Energy Explained post represents the research and views of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of the Center on Global Energy Policy. The piece...
What it Takes to Deliver Global Energy Abundance
This Energy Explained post represents the research and views of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of the Center on Global Energy Policy. The piece...
China’s Oil Demand, Imports and Supply Security
Testimonies & Speeches
by , , • April 30, 2025
