Strengthening Global Governance for Rare Earth Elements and Energy Security
This research project examines the fragmented legal landscape governing rare earth elements (REEs) and its implications for energy security and the clean energy transition. As nations impose tariffs, sanctions, export controls, and investment screening to secure domestic supply chains, the absence of a coherent global governance framework increases regulatory uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions. The project will conduct a comparative legal analysis of REE regulations across key importing economies (U.S., EU, China), major suppliers (Australia, Chile, DRC, Indonesia, South Africa), and transit hubs (Malaysia, Singapore). It will assess the cumulative impact of national policies on global energy markets and propose legal and policy reforms to improve regulatory coordination. Through legal research, stakeholder interviews, and policy analysis, the study will provide recommendations for national and international governance frameworks that enhance supply chain stability while balancing security concerns and sustainability goals.
William Burke-White
Professor of Law, Carey Law SchoolWilliam Burke-White is Professor at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. Burke-White, an international lawyer and political scientist, is a leading expert on U.S. foreign policy, multilateral institutions, and international law.
