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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

2012

Economics

University of Puget Sound

China

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Un-Obtainium: The Quest For Rare Earth Elements, Brahm Heyman Jul 2012

Un-Obtainium: The Quest For Rare Earth Elements, Brahm Heyman

International Political Economy Theses

The 17 "rare earth elements" are essential for the development of new technologies. Over the last several decades, China has established a virtual monopoly on the rare earth industry, producing over 97% of the world's current demand. This was achieved by effectively undercutting other producers who stopped competing in this market. In 2010, in an effort to bolster its domestic market, China decided to reduce the amount of rare earth elements that it would export. This situation can be used to consider China's relations with the rest of the world from two perspectives. (1) The realist perspective views China's actions …


China To The Rescue? The Implications Of China’S Engagement With Resource-Rich Countries, Sean Rice Jan 2012

China To The Rescue? The Implications Of China’S Engagement With Resource-Rich Countries, Sean Rice

International Political Economy Theses

China’s interest in developing countries has exploded in the past decade as it continues to search for resources to fuel high growth rates. This paper examines China’s activity in various resource-rich countries through the lens of the resource curse. What are the implications of China’s involvement in developing countries in terms of the resource curse, and what factors or circumstances determine whether a country will benefit from these strategic relations with China? By viewing the resource curse in terms of specific challenges associated with resource wealth rather than an overarching curse, I analyze how China’s involvement has altered the severity …