In search of Critical Minerals: How It is Reshaping International Politics

BIPSS research intern Nazmul Islam Mahmud explores the paradigm shift in international politics because of the criticality of critical minerals. As the possession of raw materials along with the midstream capacity of the countries determines the future of critical minerals, China is well ahead and controls the global supply chain. The West is trying to cope with the Chinese, but its import reliance on China plays an obstructive role. On the other hand, the weaker Global South countries are becoming influential because they possess the raw materials and nationalized policy on critical minerals usage. However, like the West, they face challenges as their mining sectors are dependent on the consuming Global South—China. But the weaker Global South is gaining leverage in global politics as critical minerals significantly contribute to their internal balancing capacity.