The Intelligence from The Economist
Second thoughts: Donald Trump’s policy plans
Thu Jul 13 2023Description
China's neighbors are building their own capabilities in mining and processing chemical elements as China shows its willingness to pinch off supplies. Resource-rich countries like Australia and Indonesia are looking to profit from the critical minerals market. Australia unveiled a critical mineral strategy to counter China's near monopoly and aims to become a significant producer of processed critical minerals by 2030. Conservative policymakers and opinion shapers are preparing for a potential second term for Donald Trump. New think tanks like the America First Policy Institute and the Heritage Foundation are crafting policy plans for a second Trump term. The Chinese government is using reality TV to educate young people about food security.
Insights
China's Dominance in Critical Minerals
China's dominance in critical minerals poses risks, as seen when they threatened to withhold supplies from American defense contractors. Breaking China's hold will be challenging even for dominant American companies.
Ukraine's Uncertain Future
America's national interest isn't served by supporting Ukraine. Ukraine may not have America's support in the future.
Trump's Second Term Policy Plans
Policy changes under a second Trump term could include continuing the border wall, changing laws on gender self-ID, and expanding gun rights. Foreign policy differences in the America First movement include less support for Ukraine and more focus on China.
Reality TV Show on Food Security in China
The reality TV show focuses on working together rather than competition between contestants. The show aims to educate viewers about food security and the true meaning of food.
Chapters
- China's Neighbors and Critical Minerals
- Trump's Second Term Policy Plans
- Reality TV Show on Food Security in China
China's Neighbors and Critical Minerals
00:00 - 22:34
- China's neighbors are building their own capabilities in mining and processing chemical elements as China shows its willingness to pinch off supplies
- Resource-rich countries like Australia and Indonesia are looking to profit from the critical minerals market
- Australia unveiled a critical mineral strategy to counter China's near monopoly and aims to become a significant producer of processed critical minerals by 2030
- Processing critical minerals is challenging, but Australia is committing funds to develop projects under the new strategy
- Countries like Australia, South Korea, Taiwan, and India are taking action to decrease their dependency on China for critical minerals.
- Japan learned the risks of reliance on China over a decade ago and has been seeking alternative supplies since then.
- The attempt is to build resilience and alternative supply chains to reduce dependence on China.
- However, it is unclear how plausible this strategy will be and if countries can successfully work together.
Trump's Second Term Policy Plans
07:43 - 14:58
- Conservative policymakers and opinion shapers are preparing for a potential second term for Donald Trump
- New think tanks like the America First Policy Institute and the Heritage Foundation are crafting policy plans for a second Trump term
- These groups aim to have thousands of people ready to implement a Donald Trump-America First agenda on day one of his administration
- They plan to deconstruct the administrative state and make civil servants fireable at will
- Policy changes under a second Trump term could include continuing the border wall, changing laws on gender self-ID, and expanding gun rights
- Foreign policy differences in the America First movement include less support for Ukraine and more focus on China
- Advocates of America-first crowd want an immediate ban on TikTok and more control over American companies investing in key sectors for national security
- Uncertainty about Trump administration's response to a potential China invasion of Taiwan
- Trump is aware of policy plans for his second term and broadly supportive
- Some people in the Trump administration are not enthusiastic about his ideas and try to thwart him or hide documents
- If Trump wins again, there would be a well-oiled machine ready to carry out his plans
Reality TV Show on Food Security in China
22:05 - 26:59
- The Chinese government is using reality TV to educate young people about food security
- A reality TV show in China called 'What a Whole Slam!' combines entertainment with propaganda by focusing on farming and food security.
- The show emphasizes working together rather than competition between contestants.
- The show aims to educate viewers about food security and the true meaning of food.
- This aligns with the Chinese government's priorities, particularly under Xi Jinping.
- China used to produce all its own food but now relies on imports, which is a concern for the government.
- Xi Jinping wants people to understand the importance of producing their own food.
- The government encourages young graduates to join the new farmer movement and modernize farming in rural areas.
- This also helps address unemployment in cities.
- Xi Jinping's personal experience in the countryside during the Cultural Revolution shaped his character and he believes Chinese youth could benefit from similar experiences.