# Resource Nationalism
Latest news and articles about Resource Nationalism
Total: 5 articles found
The Physical Limits of Intelligence: Why AI is Transforming ‘Computing Metals’ into Strategic Assets
The global AI boom is driving a structural revaluation of 'computing metals' like copper, tin, and gallium due to massive infrastructure needs and severe supply-side constraints. Despite recent price volatility, the strategic importance of these materials is rising as resource nationalism and long mining lead times create a long-term supply-demand mismatch.
Weaponized Interdependence: Japan’s Island Drills Trigger China’s Tungsten Blockade
Japan has conducted massive evacuation drills in its southwestern islands near Taiwan, signaling readiness for a regional conflict, while China has countered by cutting off essential tungsten exports. This resource blockade has severely impacted Japan's defense industry, demonstrating how economic leverage is being used to offset military escalation in the First Island Chain.
Zimbabwe’s Lithium Gamble: Harare Emulates Indonesia to Reclaim Control of the Battery Supply Chain
Zimbabwe has classified lithium and 13 other minerals as 'critical,' introducing mandatory state equity and export restrictions. Inspired by Indonesia's industrial strategy, the move aims to force foreign mining companies, largely from China, to localize processing and share profits with the state.
Jakarta’s High-Stakes Balancing Act: Squeezing Chinese Capital to Fund a Japanese-Backed Defense
Indonesia is pivoting toward resource nationalism by cutting nickel quotas and raising prices, directly impacting over $14 billion in Chinese investments. Concurrently, Jakarta is deepening defense ties with Japan to modernize its military, signaling a strategic shift to balance economic reliance on China with security partnerships with Tokyo and Manila.
Brazil’s Mineral Gambit: Trading Rare Earths for High-Tech Sovereignty
Brazil has enacted new mineral regulations requiring local processing and technology transfers for critical minerals, aiming to transform from an ore exporter into an industrial power. This move challenges US efforts to diversify supply chains away from China by raising the cost of access to Brazil's massive rare earth and lithium reserves.