As global demand for AI, battery technology, and clean energy surges, critical minerals have become essential to powering innovation and protecting national security. To kick off our new series exploring the global race for these vital resources, Elisa sits down with Tommy Beaudreau, former Deputy Secretary of the Interior and Partner at WilmerHale, to break down the stakes. Together, they explore what defines a “critical mineral,” how China’s dominance in global supply chains threatens U.S. interests, and why outdated mining laws are complicating America’s efforts to secure its future.

Tommy Beaudreau is a Partner at WilmerHale, and co-chair of WilmerHale’s Energy, Environment and Natural Resources and Native American Law Practices.

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Nominations Link for the Morris Leibman Awards – Nominate an individual who has demonstrated a sustained commitment and made exceptional contributions to the field of law and national security. Nominations deadline: March 14th

More information about the Morris Leibman Awards

Washington Post, "What are Ukraine's rare minerals and why is Trump eyeing them?"

NSLT, Ep, 205, "Seabed Mining as a National Security Threat: The Laws of the Sea with Matt Gianni (Part 1)"

This week, Elisa highlights a few of the latest national security headlines, and sets the stage for our upcoming series on the energy grid and the critical minerals essential for AI development.

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Check out the Standing Committee on Law and National Security’s latest video series, Strengthening Democracy: A Civics Education Series for Military Members

With the confirmations process well underway, we're taking a fresh look at how it all works. Revisiting a conversation from this past December, Elisa sits down with retired Marine Corps Major General Arnold Punaro, a veteran of Capitol Hill and author of If Confirmed: An Insider’s View of the National Security Process. Together, they explore the three phases of confirmation, the role of the Federal Vacancies Act, and the complexities of vetting nominees for positions like Secretary of Defense.

Arnold L. Punaro is a retired United States Marine Corps Major General, and CEO of The Punaro Group and IronArch Technology

References:

NSLT, Ep. 350, If Confirmed: Arnold Punaro on the Intricacies of Senate Confirmations (Part 2)

Punaro, Arnold L. If Confirmed: An Insider’s View of the National Security Confirmation Process. Fortis Adducent, Inc, 2024.

S. 2176 - Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998