Dependency of the United States on Foreign Markets for Strategic Raw Materials and Its Effect on National Strategy

摘要

This monograph examines the dependency of the United States on foreign markets for strategic raw materials and how that affects national strategy. The paper initially examines what the classical theorists say about a country's requirements to provide needed materials to its army in order to prosecute a war and then looks at two historical examples of what happens to a country that goes to war without access to required raw materials. It then examines specific strategic raw materials needed by the United States, the sources of these materials, and the political alignment of these countries. The monograph concludes with a discussion of the national strategy the country must develop to ensure a continuous supply of required strategic raw materials are available during a national emergency. (KR)