Adversaries in the Altiplano: Strategic Competition in South America's Lithium Triangle

reportActive / Technical Report | Accesssion Number: AD1210441 | Open PDF

Abstract:

This thesis explores the opportunities and risks facing the United States given the PRC's involvement in South America's lithium supply chains. By conducting a series of SWOT analyses, the work analyzes the lithium resources and economic and political institutions in Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile, followed by the potential opportunities and threats posed by each of the two superpowers. The study is focused on the lithium triangle due to the unique composition of the region's vast lithium deposits and untapped potential. The results demonstrate that all three countries are viable options for investment, but the US government must set the conditions for American investors due to the uncertainty associated with each country's political and economic situation. The study posits that the US government must develop and employ a comprehensive strategy for the Western Hemisphere that includes planned engagement with the lithium triangle to increase lithium extraction, decrease supply chain bottle necks, and contribute to local development. In addition, the author advocates for an industrial policy that fortifies America's global supply chains through targeted, low interest-rate financing and the employment of loan guarantees.

Author(s):
Liebetreu, Daniel T.
Author Organization(s):
US Army Command and General Staff College
Funding Organization(s):
US Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS
Document Type:
Technical Report/Master's Thesis
Publication Date:
2022 Jun 10
Pagination:
135

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution Code:
A - Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement: Public Release.
Copyright: Not Copyrighted

RECORD

Collection: TRECMS
Subject Terms
Descriptor(s):
geography, climate change, national governments, national politics, political systems, chemistry, united states government, investments, government procurement, international relations, market economy, department of defense, economic geology, governments, national security, congress, environment
Keyword(s):
Lithium, South America, Lithium Triangle, China, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, National interests, NATURAL resources, Lithium mines and mining, Western Hemisphere, Altiplano, Salt flats, supply chains, LITHIUM-ion batteries, strategic competition
Subject Categories:
Behavioral and Social Sciences
Modernization Areas:
Quantum Science and Computing; Microelectronics
Communities of Interest:
; ;
Descriptor(s):
governments, international relations, united states, commerce, congress, united states government, covid-19, department of state, diplomacy, electric vehicles, foreign relations, law, military art, department of defense, mobile phones, national security, new york
Creation Date:
2023 Sep 18
Update Date:
2023 Oct 25