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Abstract
The United States increasingly relies on import to meet its demand for critical minerals. Using the case of rare earth elements (REEs), this paper analyzes the conditions and the strategies for the U.S. government to address import dependence. The paper finds that market factors, including the lack of comparable and sufficient substitutes and recycling, the high ratio of import relative to consumption, the high concentration of import supply by country, and regulations from the major supplier country, were insufficient to prompt intervention. Significant policy action only occurs when changing circumstances turn import dependence into perceived national security threats to the United States and its allies. The paper then examines U.S. domestic policy to mitigate import dependence during the Obama administration. It finds strong support for scientific research and development and for international collaboration with ally countries in the downstream, but limited support for upstream applied research and resource diplomacy, and limited engagement with the domestic and international private sector. The paper further analyzes policy trends under the current Trump administration and provides recommendations for future U.S. policy.
Document Type
Accepted Manuscript
Publication Date
2018
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2018.07.010
Funding Information
Initial fieldwork for this project was supported by George Washington University Center for International Business Education and Research Summer Doctoral Institute.
Archival?
Archival
Repository Citation
He, Yujia, "The trade-security nexus and U.S. policy making in critical minerals" (2018). Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce Faculty Publications. 15.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/patterson_facpub/15
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Agricultural and Resource Economics Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Global Studies Commons, International Business Commons, International Relations Commons, Natural Resource Economics Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, Political Economy Commons, Public Policy Commons, Science and Technology Policy Commons, Science and Technology Studies Commons
Notes/Citation Information
He, Y. (2018). The Trade-Security Nexus and U.S. Policy Making in Critical Minerals. Resources Policy, 59, 238-249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2018.07.010