With more than twenty-seven years of leadership in the global energy industry, Dr. Resole is recognized as an accomplished strategist and international expert in oil, gas, petrochemicals, and energy trade. As the Senior Supervisor of the Executive Council and Advisor for Oil, Gas, and Petrochemicals to the WBO Policy Council at the World Business Organization (WBO), he plays a key role in shaping the organization's strategic vision on energy policy, international investment, and cross-border business cooperation. His career uniquely combines executive leadership, international energy trading, and deep expertise in global energy geopolitics, enabling him to bridge the gap between commercial realities and long-term strategic policymaking. At a time when the global energy system is undergoing its most profound transformation in decades—driven by geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, artificial intelligence, and the accelerating transition toward low-carbon economies—Dr. Rasoul offers a pragmatic and forward-looking perspective on the future of energy security, international markets, and the evolving balance of global power. In this exclusive interview, he examines the forces reshaping the industry. He shares his strategic outlook on the opportunities and challenges that will define the next decade of the global energy landscape.

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and share an overview of your professional background and experience in the energy, oil, and gas sector?

Shortened Answer:

I have more than 27 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. I began my career with the oil, gas, and petrochemical company before founding several private companies focused on crude oil, petroleum products, LPG, and petrochemicals. Over nearly three decades of international trading, I have combined hands-on industry experience with advanced academic expertise, giving me both operational and strategic perspectives on global energy markets.
2. What inspired you to pursue a career in the energy industry, and how has your perspective on the sector evolved over the years?
My entry into the industry was largely unexpected, but my passion for international trade and energy quickly turned it into a lifelong career. Over the years, I have come to see energy not simply as a commodity, but as a strategic driver of geopolitics, economic growth, and technological transformation.
3. Looking back at the past decade, what do you consider to be the most significant developments in the global energy landscape?
Three developments have fundamentally reshaped the global energy landscape. First, the rapid expansion of renewable energy, supported by falling costs, massive investments, and the growth of electric vehicles, has accelerated the global transition toward cleaner energy systems. Second, geopolitical crises—particularly in Europe and the Middle East—have brought energy security back to the center of national strategy. The disruption of Russian gas supplies transformed LNG markets and demonstrated that energy is now as much a geopolitical asset as an economic one. Third, the maturation of the U.S. shale industry significantly altered the global balance of supply, increasing market resilience while highlighting the continued volatility of oil and gas markets.

• Ultimately, the past decade has shown that the future of energy will be defined by balancing rapid decarbonization with the reliable operation of existing fossil fuel infrastructure.

4. To what extent have recent geopolitical crises reshaped global energy markets and international energy security?
Recent geopolitical crises, particularly the Russia–Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East, have fundamentally reshaped global energy markets. Energy security is no longer viewed as a purely economic issue—it has become a central pillar of national security.
Three major shifts stand out. First, Europe’s dependence on Russian pipeline gas ended, transforming LNG into a truly global commodity and strengthening the strategic roles of the United States and Qatar. Second, sanctions redirected global energy flows, with Russian exports moving toward Asia while Europe diversified its suppliers, increasing transportation costs and creating new logistical risks. Third, attacks on critical infrastructure and disruptions in strategic waterways exposed the vulnerability of global energy supply chains.

• The biggest lesson is that future energy policy must balance sustainability, affordability, and security simultaneously.

5. Do you believe the world is entering a new energy order? If so, what are its defining characteristics?
Absolutely. The world is entering a New Energy Order that extends far beyond changes in fuel consumption. It is reshaping geopolitical influence, industrial competitiveness, and global supply chains. This new order is defined by four trends: the shift of strategic power from fossil fuel reserves to clean technologies and critical minerals; greater energy localization and reduced dependence on external suppliers; the long-term coexistence of renewables and hydrocarbons rather than a complete replacement; and the growing role of AI and digitalization in managing modern energy systems.

• In this new landscape, energy security will depend less on who owns the largest oil reserves and more on who controls technology, innovation, and resilient supply chains.

6. In your view, what is currently the greatest threat to global energy security?
The greatest threat is not a shortage of energy resources but the growing imbalance within the global energy transition. Policymakers are reducing investment in fossil fuels faster than alternative energy systems can reliably replace them. This challenge is intensified by three risks: insufficient investment in both traditional and renewable infrastructure, growing geopolitical threats to critical transit routes and energy facilities, and the increasing vulnerability of digital energy systems to cyberattacks. Unless governments synchronize the pace of fossil fuel phase-out with the deployment of reliable clean energy infrastructure, the world will face recurring cycles of price shocks, supply disruptions, and geopolitical instability.
7. Can the transition to renewable energy fully replace oil and gas, or will hydrocarbons continue to play a strategic role in the global economy?
No. While renewable energy will continue to expand rapidly, it cannot fully replace oil and gas in the foreseeable future. Hydrocarbons will remain strategically important, particularly in industries where current clean technologies cannot provide viable alternatives. Sectors such as aviation, shipping, steel, cement, and petrochemicals still depend heavily on oil and natural gas. In addition, intermittent renewable generation requires reliable backup, with natural gas continuing to play a critical role in maintaining grid stability.

• The future is not about choosing between fossil fuels and renewables—it is about building a resilient hybrid energy system where both complement each other.

8. How do you assess the growing competition among major powers over energy resources, transportation corridors, and critical infrastructure? 
Competition among major powers has entered a new phase where energy, technology, and geopolitics are deeply interconnected. Control over transportation corridors, critical infrastructure, and supply chains has become as strategically important as control over energy resources themselves. At the same time, competition is shifting toward critical minerals and clean-energy technologies, with countries seeking to secure supply chains and reduce dependence on geopolitical rivals.

• The era of a single global energy market is giving way to regional energy blocs, where resilience and strategic partnerships increasingly outweigh cost efficiency.

9. What impact will emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and digital transformation, have on the future of the oil and gas industry?
Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation are redefining every stage of the oil and gas value chain—from exploration and production to transportation, refining, and emissions management. AI improves exploration accuracy, enables predictive maintenance, optimizes refinery operations, and strengthens environmental monitoring. At the same time, digital technologies reduce costs, improve safety, and increase operational resilience.

• In the future, an energy company's competitive advantage will depend not only on its reserves but also on the quality of its data, algorithms, and digital capabilities.

10. How can the World Business Organization (WBO) contribute to strengthening international cooperation, investment opportunities, and secure trade within the global energy sector?
The World Business Organization (WBO) can play a unique role as a neutral bridge between governments, investors, and the private sector at a time of growing geopolitical fragmentation. By promoting cross-border dialogue, harmonizing international standards, facilitating investment, and supporting secure trade and dispute resolution, the WBO can help reduce barriers to cooperation and strengthen confidence in global energy markets.

• Ultimately, sustainable energy security depends not only on technology and resources, but also on trusted international cooperation, open markets, and stable investment frameworks, areas where the WBO can make a meaningful contribution.