Change search
CiteExportLink to record
Permanent link

Direct link
Cite
Citation style
  • apa
  • ieee
  • modern-language-association-8th-edition
  • vancouver
  • Other style
More styles
Language
  • de-DE
  • en-GB
  • en-US
  • fi-FI
  • nn-NO
  • nn-NB
  • sv-SE
  • Other locale
More languages
Output format
  • html
  • text
  • asciidoc
  • rtf
Securitizing Rare Earth Elements (REEs): A Comparative Analysis of the Securitization of REEs in Sweden and the United States (US)
University West, School of Business, Economics and IT.
University West, School of Business, Economics and IT.
2024 (English)Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE creditsStudent thesis
Abstract [en]

This thesis examines how Sweden, and the United States (US) securitize rare earth elements (REEs). To do so, we conduct a small-N comparative study, analyzing documents and research reports from state agencies in the areas of economics, defense, environment, and energy. The findings indicate that both Sweden and the US recognize the importance of REEs for national security, technological innovation, and economic stability, with a particular emphasis on their reliance on China’s REEs supply. Specifically, in Sweden, REEs are securitized as vital for economic growth, environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and the military sector, addressing the perceived threat of an REEs shortage. The Swedish state frames solutions to the potential shortage and dependence on China for REEs around national and European research, development, and production initiatives, focusing on sustainability and diversification. In contrast, the US securitizes REEs as essential for military and energy independence, environmental protection, and economic development. The results show that while Sweden adopts a strategy emphasizing international collaboration, sustainability, and supply diversification, the US prioritizes enhancing domestic supply and securing national interests. These approaches reflect the differing perspectives each country employs to address the shared geopolitical challenge of dependency on China’s REEs supply.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2024. , p. 69
Keywords [en]
Rare earth elements, Securitization, Sweden, United States, Environment, Energy, Economy, Military
National Category
Economics
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hv:diva-21945Local ID: EIS502OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hv-21945DiVA, id: diva2:1875072
Subject / course
Political science
Educational program
International Programme in Politics and Economics
Supervisors
Examiners
Available from: 2024-06-28 Created: 2024-06-20 Last updated: 2024-06-28Bibliographically approved

Open Access in DiVA

No full text in DiVA

By organisation
School of Business, Economics and IT
Economics

Search outside of DiVA

GoogleGoogle Scholar

urn-nbn

Altmetric score

urn-nbn
Total: 161 hits
CiteExportLink to record
Permanent link

Direct link
Cite
Citation style
  • apa
  • ieee
  • modern-language-association-8th-edition
  • vancouver
  • Other style
More styles
Language
  • de-DE
  • en-GB
  • en-US
  • fi-FI
  • nn-NO
  • nn-NB
  • sv-SE
  • Other locale
More languages
Output format
  • html
  • text
  • asciidoc
  • rtf