What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to analyze how rare earth elements are securitized within U.S. and Chinese policies and the implications of this securitization.

May 8, 2026

National Security Policies, Monopolies and Rare Earth Elements: Securitization Narratives in the U.S. and China

Key Points

The aim is to analyze how rare earth elements are securitized within U.S. and Chinese policies and the implications of this securitization.
Qualitative case studies of securitization policies in the U.S. and China.
Analysis of REE disruptions and their strategic implications.
Examination of bureaucratic responses and legislative measures in both countries.
China established a monopoly on rare earth elements, demonstrating urgent adaptation.
The U.S. response lacks urgency in its adaptation to REE restrictions, limiting effective policy measures.
Disruptions in REE supply could exhaust U.S. stocks within 90 days, underscoring the urgency of adaptation.

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article examines rare earth elements (REEs), minerals declared essential for U.S. economic and national security which are used extensively across the defense and commercial sectors. Concerningly, REE disruptions ‘could exhaust U.S. stocks in less than 90 days’. Given China's recent REE restrictions towards the U.S., this paper uses securitization theory to examine REE policies in both countries with qualitative case studies. While securitization efforts are prominent in both foreign and domestic policies, “adaptation is not as urgent a policy as would be expected from the logic of securitization”. China recognized the strategic implications of REEs and adapted, creating a monopoly, while the U.S. has not utilized urgency in its securitization or adaptation measures, prioritizing domestic legislation and adjudication in international organizations. This substantial reliance on China and the relatively slow U.S. bureaucratic response resulted in a limited effectiveness for securitizing critical resources. Related Articles Kong, Linggong. 2025. “A Study on the Formulation of the Biden Administration's Semiconductor Policy Toward China Through the Lens of the Multiple Streams Framework (MSF).” Politics & Policy 53(6): e70106. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.70106 . Antwi‐Boateng, Osman, and Mamudu Abunga Akudugu. 2020. “Golden Migrants: The Rise and Impact of Illegal Chinese Small‐Scale Mining in Ghana.” Politics & Policy 48(1): 135‐167. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12342 . Duggan, Niall. 2020. “China—The Champion of the Developing World: A Study of China's new Development Model and its Role in Changing Global Economic Governance.” Politics & Policy 48(5): 836‐858. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12377 .

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Cite This Study

Nathan Becker (Wed,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69fd7f0dbfa21ec5bbf076fc https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.70135

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