Geopolitical competition reshapes global energy security

Energy security is undergoing a fundamental shift as geopolitical competition moves beyond traditional oil and gas markets to include critical minerals, electricity infrastructure, and complex supply chains. Experts at the Dow Jones Energy Forum and in the Sciences Po Energy Review highlight that the international system is transitioning toward “managed interdependence,” where major powers maintain economic ties while actively working to mitigate strategic vulnerabilities.

Key areas of concern include the concentration of critical mineral processing in China, which accounts for approximately 90% of rare earth processing and 94% of rare earth magnet production. Additionally, the United States faces vulnerabilities in electrical infrastructure, importing roughly 80% of its heavy transformers from a limited number of global suppliers.

Strategic maritime chokepoints, such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca, remain central to global stability. While the Strait of Hormuz represents only a small fraction of direct U.S. oil consumption, maintaining security in the region is viewed as vital for supporting allies like Japan and South Korea and maintaining geopolitical leverage. The evolving landscape also encompasses new challenges, including energy sovereignty in the Arctic and Antarctic, the impact of extreme heat on power grids, and the social dimensions of energy access.