Critical Minerals Nat Sec

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

The United States is currently grappling with a heavy dependence on China for critical minerals, which poses both economic and strategic risks. Ensuring the security of mineral supply chains essential for advanced technologies in key industries is both an economic necessity and a matter of national security. However, these supply chains remain highly vulnerable. Policymakers are now confronted with the critical challenge of strengthening access to materials such as lithium and graphite for cutting-edge battery technologies, as well as tungsten and rare earth elements vital for the future of military advancements. Critical Minerals and National Security will cross-examine the building and management of robust supply chains for natural resources that are essential to national, economic, and energy security. This course will introduce you to the economic, geopolitical, technological, environmental, and social considerations of securing critical minerals, helping you understand how these relate to a range of industries and policy challenges. Through dynamic sessions and interactive seminars, you will investigate the various risks facing U.S. critical minerals security and how policy and market interventions can mitigate them.