Category Archives: National Security

“I Got a Rock”: Policy Gaps in American Critical Minerals Stockpiling 
America / National Security / Trade

“I Got a Rock”: Policy Gaps in American Critical Minerals Stockpiling 

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Executive Summary  Introduction  On April 4th, 2025, China imposed export controls on seven rare earth minerals and associated magnets in response to tariff increases by the United States. In the month these measures were formally in effect, American automakers, defense contractors, and technology firms experienced logistical delays, forced to scale back or even halt production at plants across North America. At the urging of hurt industries, the Trump Administration initiated negotiations in May, culminating in a 90-day tariff … Continue reading →

‘Golden share’ of U.S. Steel extends president’s reach into the private sector
Economy / National Security / Politics / Presidency

‘Golden share’ of U.S. Steel extends president’s reach into the private sector

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Executive Summary  Introduction  On June 18, the Japanese firm Nippon Steel finalized a “historic partnership” with U.S. Steel (USS), acquiring the company for nearly $15 billion. This came after years of Biden and then Trump blocking the purchase due to national security concerns. The deal was finally allowed soon after President Trump was promised a … Continue reading →

America / Communications / Dpt. of State / Economy / Gov. Officials / Healthcare / National Security

Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response System in the US

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Summary   Though the US dealt with major outbreaks in the past 20 years, the American Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response system was unable to generate a sufficient coordinated response for COVID-19.  The American Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response system needs an analysis in the present time to evaluate the effects of public health policies and their … Continue reading →

Potential Benefits and Costs of US Backed Nuclear Power Plants Abroad
China / Energy / Environment / Foreign Policy / National Security

Potential Benefits and Costs of US Backed Nuclear Power Plants Abroad

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Last month the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced its reversal of a legacy policy that banned the financing of nuclear power projects abroad[1]. The decision, currently in the public notice and comment period, was lauded as a victory by the energy, environmental, and national security spheres[2][3] but raises several concerns around carbon emissions, … Continue reading →

Hold My Beer: Aluminum and National Security
China / National Security / Politics / Trade

Hold My Beer: Aluminum and National Security

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Background Beer is good , beer is american. To protect the interests of beer drinkers and beer producers everywhere, primary aluminum must be excluded from the Section 232 investigation, otherwise it risks endangering the business of local brewers, packagers, and raises prices for consumers. On April 26, 2017 Department of Commerce Secretary, Wilbur Ross, initiated … Continue reading →

Clinton’s Secretary of State Shortlist Reveals Her Foreign Policy
Central Asia / China / Dpt. of State / Europe / Europe / Foreign Policy / Iran / Middle East / National Security / Presidential Race 2016 / Russia / Sanctions

Clinton’s Secretary of State Shortlist Reveals Her Foreign Policy

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  The Clinton transition team recently leaked its shortlist for Secretary of State. While media attention has solely focused on Vice President Joe Biden’s appearance on the list, the rest of the list reveals what a potential Clinton administration’s foreign policy might entail. Based on her shortlist, Clinton has Russian aggression and European stability on … Continue reading →

How the US Can Solve Its Turkey-Kurd Conundrum in Syria
Foreign Policy / Middle East / National Security

How the US Can Solve Its Turkey-Kurd Conundrum in Syria

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Since the start of the Syria Conflict, US policies have been inconsistent and at times self-defeating. In the fight against ISIL and the Assad regime, the US is supporting actors who themselves continue to fight each other in long-standing conflicts. This includes US ally and NATO member Turkey and the Kurdish groups favored by the … Continue reading →

Politicking National Security: A Hack Job
Dpt. of State / Foreign Policy / National Security / Politics / Presidential Race 2016 / Russia

Politicking National Security: A Hack Job

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In case you missed it, a presidential candidate invited a foreign government to break into either a private citizen’s email account and steal information or break into the servers at the United States Department of State. I am in a state of disbelief. These were his words (with my editorial comments in parentheses): Russia, if … Continue reading →

Decrypting Data: A Viable Solution or Vanilla Stupid?
Communications / National Security / Technology

Decrypting Data: A Viable Solution or Vanilla Stupid?

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There should be no doubt about it. Privacy is necessary for markets to function and innovation to thrive. Without it, nobody would use online banking, email, location services, and more. With encrypted data, people feel safe knowing someone isn’t currently stealing their identity or looking at their most personal information. Unfortunately, some politicians care more … Continue reading →