Visiting Fellow
African climate and energy policy, the Gulf states, the Middle East, fragile states
English, Italian, conversational French, and basic Arabic
Corrado Čok is a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. In his research, Čok explores the role of the Gulf states in Africa, with a focus on climate and energy sectors. Prior to joining ECFR, Čok conducted research as an independent consultant on political, energy, economic and security matters in the Gulf and the Horn of Africa, where he also specialised in the role of great and middle powers in the Red Sea. He gained further experience in the humanitarian-development sector working on projects in Djibouti, Kenya and Somalia.
Čok holds an MA in conflict resolution from King’s College London, where he specialised in the political economy of fragile states in Africa and the Middle East.
The UAE has invested heavily in Africa’s energy sectors in recent years, expanding its stakes in oil and gas, and renewables. Rather than viewing the UAE as solely a rival, Europeans should pursue a strategy of “co-opetition”, balancing competition with cooperation in areas of mutual interest, to fast-track green initiatives
The UAE’s expanding role in Africa’s energy spaces could present a challenge to Europe’s energy security and decarbonisation ambitions – but opportunities for cooperation also exist that could accelerate the global energy transition
Corrado Cok on withdrawing and providing troops to the Somalian conflict
