121 - Rare Earth Elements: The Futile Fight Against China

The Red Line

As the world pivots towards a green energy future, the dominance of rare earth elements has never been more crucial. Yet, while the West has been preoccupied with other geopolitical challenges, China has quietly taken control of this vital industry. This episode delves into the strategic manoeuvres that allowed China to secure a near-monopoly on rare earth production and the consequential vulnerabilities faced by Western economies. By focusing on technological advancements and resource acquisition, China has positioned itself as the gatekeeper of essential materials for modern technology and renewable energy. Has the West, with its divided attention, failed to anticipate this shift and what are the strategic missteps that led to this imbalance? We ask our panel of experts:

On the panel this week:

- Fabian Villalobos (RAND)

- Theresa Sabonis-Helf (Georgetown Uni)

- Ariel Cohen (Atlantic Council)

Intro - 00:00

PART 1 - 02:42

PART 2 - 27:58

PART 3 - 47:28

Outro - 1:00:15

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