A team of students from the LBJ School of Public Affairs traveled to Washington, D.C., on February 23, 2026, to present their research on the global rare earth element industry to officials at the U.S. Department of State and other policy stakeholders.
The project, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomacy Lab, brought together University of Texas at Austin students Olivia Adelman, Habibullah Azmat, Andrew Bowsher, Kathryn Camp, Aaron Hernandez, Casey Pack, and Lisette Plata. Through independent, open-source research, the team examined how global trade mechanisms intersect with the rare earth element industry and what those dynamics mean for U.S. national security.
Their analysis explored key case studies, including the 1973 OPEC Oil Crisis and the 2010 China-Japan rare earth dispute, to better understand vulnerabilities in critical mineral supply chains. Drawing on these insights, the team developed policy recommendations aimed at mitigating the risks of rare earth supply disruptions. These recommendations emphasize strengthening domestic industrial capacity, deepening cooperation with allies, and leveraging strategic trade tools.
The presentation in Washington provided a valuable opportunity for students to share their findings directly with policymakers and contribute to ongoing conversations about critical minerals and national security strategy.
The group was guided by faculty advisor Dr. David Eaton, who supported the team throughout the research process and helped coordinate the trip to Washington, D.C. The team is now preparing its research for publication and additional presentations.