Strategic Materials: A Crisis Waiting to Happen

摘要

The United States is dependent on foreign sources for many strategic materials vital to its survival and national security. This study reviews past and present policies on the stockpiling of strategic materials, the quality of stockpiled materials, and examines the position and role of the Soviet Union in denying the U.S. access to strategic materials. It provides a close examination of cobalt, chromium, manganese, and titanium, their importance to the defense industry and the possible impact of a materials shortage on the U.S. economy and national security. To reduce America's vulnerability, a policy that integrates strategic materials, national security, foreign policy, and economic issues should be implemented. Specific findings and recommendations are presented at the end of the study.