Depending on China for Rare Earth Elements: An Acceptable Strategic Vulnerability for the United States?

Abstract

This thesis addresses how U.S. reliance on China for critical rare earth elements leaves the United States exposed to a potential disruption of supply that constitutes a threat to national security. The study also reviews the history of U.S.-China trade relations and how China outflanked the United States in the global rare earths market. Rare earth elements are vital to electronic and national defense applications involving the Defense Industrial Base. Vulnerabilities in the U.S. rare earths supply chain are studied to discuss opportunities for domestic rare earth mining and separation independent of China. The study also reviews current mineral policies, acts, and measures to promote an adequate and reliable supply of critical materials for national security. The purpose of this thesis is to answer the primary research question: Can the United States ensure reliable resources of rare earth elements independent of China?

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 12, 2020
Accession Number
AD1158542

Entities

People

  • Jessica P. Klein

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Climate Change
  • Commerce
  • Congress
  • Department Of Defense
  • Department Of State
  • Electric Automobiles
  • Environment
  • Law
  • Materials
  • Materials Processing
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Natural Resources
  • Public Policy
  • Rare Earth Alloys
  • Rare Earth Elements
  • United States Government

Readers

  • Asian Economic Studies
  • Economics
  • Materials Science and Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics