PhD (International Relations), American University School of International Service; MA (Political Science), McMaster University; BA (Political Studies), Bishop's University

Robert (“RJ”) Johnston focuses on understanding the global geopolitical, market, and policy drivers that shape energy and natural resources markets, including opportunities and risks for Canada. Previously, RJ was Senior Director of Research at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University. RJ also served as the founder of the Eurasia Group’s Energy, Climate, and Resources practice and was the firm’s CEO from 2013 to 2018. RJ is an independent advisor to the First Nations Climate Initiative and serves as an advisor on North American energy policy to a New York-based diversified investment management firm. He serves as a counselor for the Canada-US Trade Council. He also served as Project Director for the Aspen Institute Task Force on US Critical Minerals Policy. RJ is a member of the Trilateral Commission and co-chairs the Open Minds Next Generation initiative on the dual energy/climate policy challenge. He was a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center from 2017 to 2021.