On our latest episode, economist and journalist Adam Creighton speaks with Naoise McDonagh, a senior lecturer at Edith Cowan University, about the hidden but vital role of rare earth minerals in today’s global economy. McDonagh explains how these minerals power technologies from EVs to military gear, and why their dominance by China poses serious challenges for the West. From "super magnets" to medical imaging, catalytic converters to aerospace materials—the reach of rare earths is vast. They’re not just economic assets, McDonagh says—they’re national security imperatives.

This episode was produced in partnership with the Hinrich Foundation. AFPC-USA is solely responsible for the content of this episide.