An IISS Online Analysis article by Takano Fellow Wakana Asano (IISS–Asia, Singapore) has been published. IISS Online Analysis is a platform through which IISS experts provide timely and policy-relevant analysis of the latest developments in international security, geopolitics, defence, and geoeconomics.

In her article, “ASEAN’s Critical Minerals and Industrial-Upgrade Dilemma,” Asano examines how ASEAN member states are seeking to leverage their abundant critical-mineral resources to move up the manufacturing value chain, while facing challenges such as dependence on China for mineral refining and processing, financing constraints, and growing geoeconomic risks stemming from intensifying US–China competition. The article also explores the challenges and prospects for ASEAN as it pursues industrial upgrading and deeper regional economic integration through critical-mineral development.

The full article is available below:
ASEAN’s Critical Minerals and Industrial-Upgrade Dilemma