Besides geographical proximity, the United States has long been actively engaged in advancing regional political and economic ties with its North, South, and Central American neighbors, as well as with Caribbean nations. Although the United States has enjoyed strong partnerships across the Americas, geopolitical rivals such as China and Russia have expanded their influence in the region in recent years. CSIS research highlights both inter- and intra-regional issues on the United States’ doorstep.

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Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images

New Executive Order Ties U.S. Critical Minerals Security to Global Partnerships

A new executive order makes international cooperation central to U.S. critical minerals security, targeting processed minerals where China dominates. It pairs allied supply agreements with trade tools—and potential price supports—to reduce vulnerabilities.

Critical Questions by Gracelin Baskaran — January 15, 2026

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Romina Bandura
Senior Fellow, Project on Prosperity and Development
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Matthew P. Funaiole
Vice President, iDeas Lab, Andreas C. Dracopoulos Chair in Innovation and Senior Fellow, China Power Project