THE STRATEGIC COMPETITION FOR RARE EARTHS UNITED STATES, CHINA AND THE NEW SCRAMBLE FOR AFRICA
THE STRATEGIC COMPETITION FOR RARE EARTHS UNITED STATES, CHINA AND THE NEW SCRAMBLE FOR AFRICA

Author(s): Gabriel FLOREA
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Economic policy, Security and defense, Geopolitics
Published by: Carol I National Defence University Publishing House
Keywords: resources; rare earths; geopolitics; defense industry; AI; United States; China; Africa.
Summary/Abstract: The scramble for resources has been a constant cause for conflicts that have shaped human history. In the XXI century, the competition between the United States and China reaches all domains, from politics and defense, to human rights and environment, and has impact on the entire world. The rising demand for natural resources represents an important aspect in this competition between the two rivals. Rare earth elements (REEs) constitute a key asset, since these are used in our modern life, from electronics and telecommunications, to green energy production and medical equipment, but are also very important for the defense industries. China controls the most REEs, natural resources andalso production, thus creating a strategic advantage. The US, the European Union or Australia try to counterweight by focusing on new sources of REEs, the African continent being such an option.

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