Exclusive Interview with Sarah Ladislaw, Speaker of the 2017 Boulos Lecture Series “Energy and the Changing Global Landscape”

Read an exclusive interview with the speaker of the 2017 AIPN Boulos Lecture Series, Sarah Ladislaw, Director and Senior Fellow, Energy and National Security Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Ladislaw will be speaking on “Energy and the Changing Global Landscape” for this year’s series from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday, September 25 at the Doubletree Hotel Houston Downtown. It will be held in conjunction with the Monday evening reception for Part 1 of the Short Courses on International Oil & Gas Law. For more information and to register for the 2017 Boulos Lecture Series, click here.

I see that your career has been focused in international affairs since 2003. When and what made you become interested in international affairs?

Ladislaw: I come from a small town in New Hampshire and from an early age was interested in other countries and cultures. I studied Japanese in college and lived there for a short time but have always been interested in cross-cultural communication, politics, and economics. Various cultures and societies organize themselves in different ways and have different priorities but a great deal in common as well. My time at the Department of Energy was excellent because I got to participate in lots of meetings with officials from countries from around the Western Hemisphere and have an exchange of views and activities on energy issues.

What was your reaction when you were invited to be the featured speaker for the 2017 Boulos Lecture Series? Why?

Ladislaw: I was honored to accept the invitation. Any opportunity to speak with a group of distinguished professionals within the energy community is something I take very seriously. I admire and learn from my colleagues serving in various parts of the energy industry and enjoy these opportunities to engage with them.

What made you choose “Energy and the Changing Global Landscape” as the topic of your lecture? Why do you feel this topic is important?

Ladislaw: The changes underway in the energy landscape are nothing short of remarkable. Technological advancements and changing societal expectations are feeding through energy markets through consumer behavior and changes in policy. At the same time geopolitical landscape is under more pressure than it has been in years and countries around the world are dealing with domestic and transnational issues like populism, isolationism, terrorism, refugee issues, and economic pressures. This makes for a very dynamic time for energy.

Which experiences in your career were instrumental in preparing you to speak on this topic?

Ladislaw: I’ve spent the last decade researching and writing about the changes taking place in the energy sector. At CSIS we focus on pointing out the strategically important issues rather than the temporary noise or hype of current market cycles or the status quo outlook of long-term energy forecasts. It is an experience that has taught me that managing the trade-offs of energy policy and commercial decision-making is only getting more complex as time passes.

What do you hope the attendees walk away with after hearing your lecture on energy and the changing global landscape?

Ladislaw: I hope they will be optimistic about the future of energy and feel excited that they are working in one of the most dynamic and important fields in the world.