GNSI Decision Brief: Critical Resources for National Security

Natural resources consist of any raw material, whether biological, mineral, or environmental, that nature provides without human intervention, but which humans can utilize for their benefit (both material and immaterial).i These resources play a crucial role in a country’s economic prosperity and influence various aspects of domestic and military operations as these materials are used in manufacturing and infrastructure projects. Natural resources have always played a critical role in national security – from the grain basins of Egypt to feed the armies of Romeii to the oil-rich Dutch West Indies required for Imperial Japan’s Navy in the Pacific War.iii In fact, U.S. oil reserves and production proved a critical enabler to winning World War II.iv As military technology has evolved, so has the type of resources which prove critical. Both fossil fuels and iron appear a constant requirement for modern warfare, as demonstrated by the Russian/Ukraine conflict.v Yet, other resources, like rare earth minerals, appear to hold predominance in exquisite capabilities, including fifth- generation fighter aircraft. What are the most important materials for today’s strategic competition? In case of war, can the U.S. meet its natural resource requirements to feed its military-industrial complex domestically? Is self-reliance required or can the U.S. leverage its allies and partners for some of these resources? Beyond production and extraction, does the U.S. have access to resources within secure logistic lines? This brief identifies some of the essential critical resources for U.S. national security, their domestic availability, and strategic considerations for securing U.S. grand strategy in the 21st Century.https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/gnsi_decision_briefs/1023/thumbnail.jp

Two Birders Observe Patch of Woods with Binoculars During Trip in Tallahassee

Two birders observe a patch of woods with binoculars during a trip in Tallahassee, Florida. The trip was taken during the fall Florida Ornithological Society meeting held on September 29 through October 1, 2000.https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/fos_images/2572/thumbnail.jp

Bill Pranty Smiles Up at Camera During Florida Ornithological Society Meeting in Tallahassee

Bill Pranty (far left) smiles up at the camera during the fall Florida Ornithological Society meeting held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Tallahassee, Florida on September 29 through October 1, 2000.https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/fos_images/2516/thumbnail.jp

Dave Goodwin, Doug Wassmer, and Cillian Saul Lounge in Lobby of The Doubletree Hotel in Tallahassee

(From left to right) Dave Goodwin, Doug Wassmer, and Cillian Saul lounge in the lobby of the DoubleTree Hotel in Tallahassee, Florida during the fall Florida Ornithological Society meeting held on September 29 through October 1, 2000.https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/fos_images/2529/thumbnail.jp

Bill Pranty and Other Guests Take Part in Bird Skins Quiz During Florida Ornithological Society Meeting in Tallahassee

Bill Pranty (far right)and other guests take part in a bird skins quiz administered by Jim Cox and Bob Henderson during the fall Florida Ornithological Society meeting held on September 29 through October 1, 2000 in Tallahassee, Florida.https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/fos_images/2531/thumbnail.jp

Skyline Captured from Doubletree Hotel in Tallahassee

A photo depicting the skyline at sunset from the DoubleTree Hotel in Tallahassee, Florida. The photo was taken during the fall Florida Ornithological Society meeting held on September 29 through October 1, 2000.https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/fos_images/2470/thumbnail.jp

Dangerous Legitimacy: The Risks of Normalizing Hamas As a Fundamentalist Terror Group In Western Discourse

This article examines the dangers of Western discourse misrepresenting and normalizing Hamas, a fundamentalist terrorist group, as a legitimate actor in regional crises and conflicts. It explores Hamas\u27 origins as a global terrorist organization, its history of armed conflict with neighbors and the broader Western world, and its ideological roots in religious fundamentalism and totalitarianism. The article argues that Hamas’ principles and actions are fundamentally incompatible with Western democratic ideals, posing a significant threat to regional and global security. It also addresses the ongoing challenges of Western washing Hamas through propaganda spread via social activism and social media. The article emphasizes the need for robust strategies to counter the normalization of such groups, including strengthening counterterrorism and counter-intelligence measures, promoting educational and awareness campaigns, and supporting moderate voices in conflict regions. By addressing these risks, the article provides a comprehensive understanding of the implications of legitimizing groups like Hamas