The development of missiles, fighter jets, smart bombs, and other military gear is in jeopardy as China restricts exports of rare earth minerals.
These minerals are used to make heat-resistant magnets which are necessary for the manufacture of weaponry. China’s tightening control over exports to the U.S. has exposed a vulnerability in the U.S. military supply chain.
John Helveston, assistant professor of engineering management and systems engineering at the George Washington University, is an expert in electric vehicles, innovation and technology policy. He’s interested in understanding the factors that shape technological change, with a particular focus on transitioning to more sustainable and energy-saving technologies. Helveston can also talk about rare earth and other critical minerals issues as they relate to China, vehicles, and energy industries.
Shana R. Marshall, assistant research professor of international affairs and associate director of the Institute for Middle East Studies at GW’s Elliott School of International Affairs. Marshall is an expert on global weapons trade, corruption, and the Middle East political economy.
Donald Clarke, David Weaver professor emeritus of law at the George Washington University Law School. Clarke is an expert in Chinese Law with a special interest in US-China relations.
If you would like to schedule an interview with one of these experts, please contact Claire Sabin at claire [dot] sabin
gwu [dot] edu (claire[dot]sabin[at]gwu[dot]edu) or Shannon Mitchell at shannon [dot] mitchellgwu [dot] edu (shannon[dot]mitchell[at]gwu[dot]edu).
-GW-