Recent discussions surrounding the importance of strategic materials have brought attention to their significance in the transition to a more sustainable future. These materials, despite their critical role in various industries, remain widely unknown to the general public. However, their scarcity and geopolitical implications have the potential to spark conflicts and economic confrontations.
To shed light on the scientific, political, and environmental aspects associated with strategic materials, Valérie Mignon and Emmanuel Hache present 10 key points. In doing so, they emphasize the risks of conflicts that may arise from the competition for access to rare metals.
At the forefront of these tensions lie the ongoing power struggles between China and the United States, reflecting the divergent political ideologies inherent in capitalist societies. It is essential to grasp the definition of strategic materials and understand how their usage shapes rivalries and international power dynamics.
In order to navigate this complex landscape, the European Union must adopt effective policies to extricate itself from potential impasses. At the heart of the matter is the question of whether competition for these scarce resources will lead to new conflicts.
To delve deeper into these issues, a panel discussion will be held, featuring esteemed individuals in the field:
1. Pauline Bucciarelli - Ph.D. candidate in Economics at the IFP Energies Nouvelles, and Engineer from the Ecole des Mines de Paris.
2. Emmanuel Hache - Economist and specialist in raw materials markets, and a project leader in the Department of Economics and Environmental Assessment at the IFP Energies.
3. Benjamin Gallezot - Ministerial Delegate for Strategic Metals.
4. Guillaume Pitron - Journalist and expert in the geopolitics of raw materials.
The discussion will be moderated by Louis de Catheu, responsible for the publication series “Capitalist Societies at War” on The Grand Continent.
Taking place at the Ecole Normale Supérieure on 45 Rue d’Ulm in the Dussane Room, this event is open to all, but registration is mandatory.
By examining the scientific, political, and economic dimensions of strategic materials, this panel aims to encourage dialogue and provide insights to navigate the challenges and risks they present in our evolving world.