Erica Downs

Dr. Erica Downs is a Senior Research Scholar at the Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), with additional affiliations as a non-resident senior research scientist at the CNA Corporation, honorary research fellow at the University of Dundee's Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy, and advisory board member of the Natural Resources Governance Institute.

Education:

• Ph.D. and M.A. from Princeton University
• B.S. from the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University

Research Focus:

With over 20 years of expertise in Eurasian energy policy, Dr. Downs specializes in Chinese energy markets, geopolitics, and decarbonization. Her work critically examines Russia-China energy relations, natural gas and oil market dynamics, sanctions impacts, and energy security implications. She employs rigorous geopolitical analysis to dissect complex energy transitions and international energy diplomacy.

Publication Trends:

Her recent research centers on high-stakes energy infrastructure projects like Power of Siberia-2 and Arctic LNG 2, revealing how geopolitical tensions reshape global energy flows. Analyses consistently highlight sanction evasion tactics, pipeline diplomacy, and market volatility amid US-China-Russia strategic competition, demonstrating how energy infrastructure becomes a tool of geopolitical leverage.

Professional Impact:

• Former roles include senior analyst at Eurasia Group, Brookings Institution fellow, and CIA energy analyst
• Active contributor to major energy policy discourse through Bloomberg, Energy Intelligence, and The National Interest
• Key collaborator with international bodies like The Lancet Countdown and Methane Finance Working Group

Research Ecosystem:

Dr. Downs operates within Columbia's Center on Global Energy Policy, driving initiatives on China's energy security through cross-institutional partnerships. Her work connects academic research with policy implementation via advisory roles at organizations including the Natural Resources Governance Institute, influencing global energy governance frameworks and resource management strategies.