Araştırma Makalesi

The New Dynamic of Global Competition: The Technological Utilization of Rare Earth Elements and Their Impact on International Relations

Cilt: 17 Sayı: 1 29 Nisan 2026
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The New Dynamic of Global Competition: The Technological Utilization of Rare Earth Elements and Their Impact on International Relations

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Aim: This study aims to analyze the technological utilization, global reserve distribution, and production structures of rare earth elements (REEs), as well as the structural concentration and vulnerability of their supply chains, and to evaluate their implications for international relations, geopolitical power dynamics, and economic dependency. The study examines the strategic consequences of China’s dominance in global REE production and processing and develops policy recommendations regarding Türkiye’s potential integration into global value chains. Method: The research is designed as a secondary-data-based study employing a structured descriptive and comparative content analysis. Quantitative and qualitative datasets obtained from internationally recognized institutions, including the International Energy Agency (IEA), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), European Commission reports, and relevant national authorities, were systematically analyzed to assess reserve distribution, production concentration, and sectoral utilization patterns. Results: The findings demonstrate that REEs have evolved beyond their role as industrial raw materials and have become strategic instruments of global power projection. The high concentration of global production and processing capacity in China generates significant supply security risks and structural economic dependencies for advanced economies. While Türkiye’s declared reserve potential in Beylikova represents a substantial strategic opportunity, limitations in domestic processing capacity and high value-added manufacturing constitute major structural challenges. Conclusion: REEs have emerged as strategic commodities at the center of twenty-first-century geoeconomic competition, particularly in the contexts of energy transition, defense industries, and digital technologies. Ensuring sustainable supply security requires not only reserve diversification but also the development of refining capabilities, recycling technologies, and multilateral cooperation mechanisms. Türkiye’s ability to position itself as a reliable actor in global REE markets depends on the formulation of an integrated national strategy. Originality: This study contributes to the literature by approaching REEs through an interdisciplinary framework that integrates technological, geoeconomic, and international relations perspectives, thereby moving beyond purely geological or technical analyses.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Kaynakça

  1. Abay, E. G. (2025, Şubat 27). Rus alüminyum üreticisi Rusal, nadir toprak elementi tesisi kuracak. Anadolu Ajansı. https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/enerjiterminali/enerji-diplomasi/rus-aluminyum-ureticisi-rusal-nadir-toprak-elementi-tesisi-kuracak/47765
  2. Abbadi, A. & Mucsi, G. (2024). A review on complex utilization of mine tailings: Recovery of rare earth elements and residue valorization. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 12(3), 113118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2024.113118
  3. Abraham, D. S. (2015). The elements of power: Gadgets, guns, and the struggle for a sustainable future in the rare metal age. Yale University Press.
  4. Alhan, D. (2025, Ekim 17). Nadir toprak elementlerinde ilk 5 hedefi için uluslararası işbirlikleri kilit rol oynayacak. Anadolu Ajansı. https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/ekonomi/nadir-toprak-elementlerinde-ilk-5-hedefi-icin-uluslararasi-isbirlikleri-kilit-rol-oynayacak/3719404
  5. Alonso, E., Sherman, A. M., Wallington, T. J., Everson, M. P., Field, F. R., Roth, R. & Kirchain, R. E. (2012). Evaluating rare earth element availability: A case with revolutionary demand from clean technologies. Environmental Science & Technology, 46(6), 3406-3414. https://doi.org/10.1021/es203518d
  6. Artekin, A. O. (2022). Economic and political effects of rare earth elements in the new world order. In 27th RSEP International Conference on Economics, Finance & Business (pp. 186204). https://doi.org/10.19275/RSEPCONFERENCES210
  7. Aslan, N. & Say, Y. (2022). Application areas of rare earth elements. Kırklareli University Journal of Engineering and Science, 8(1), 148-178. https://doi.org/10.34186/klujes.1094871
  8. Balaram, V. (2023). Potential future alternative resources for rare earth elements: Opportunities and challenges. Minerals, 13(3), 425. https://doi.org/10.3390/min13030425

Ayrıntılar

Birincil Dil

İngilizce

Konular

Uluslararası İlişkiler (Diğer)

Bölüm

Araştırma Makalesi

Yayımlanma Tarihi

29 Nisan 2026

Gönderilme Tarihi

16 Şubat 2026

Kabul Tarihi

14 Mart 2026

Yayımlandığı Sayı

Yıl 2026 Cilt: 17 Sayı: 1

Kaynak Göster

APA
Tam, G., & Durmuş, İ. (2026). The New Dynamic of Global Competition: The Technological Utilization of Rare Earth Elements and Their Impact on International Relations. Çankırı Karatekin Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, 17(1), 212-230. https://doi.org/10.54558/jiss.1890675
AMA
1.Tam G, Durmuş İ. The New Dynamic of Global Competition: The Technological Utilization of Rare Earth Elements and Their Impact on International Relations. ÇAKÜ SBED. 2026;17(1):212-230. doi:10.54558/jiss.1890675
Chicago
Tam, Gürkan, ve İrfan Durmuş. 2026. “The New Dynamic of Global Competition: The Technological Utilization of Rare Earth Elements and Their Impact on International Relations”. Çankırı Karatekin Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi 17 (1): 212-30. https://doi.org/10.54558/jiss.1890675.
EndNote
Tam G, Durmuş İ (01 Nisan 2026) The New Dynamic of Global Competition: The Technological Utilization of Rare Earth Elements and Their Impact on International Relations. Çankırı Karatekin Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi 17 1 212–230.
IEEE
[1]G. Tam ve İ. Durmuş, “The New Dynamic of Global Competition: The Technological Utilization of Rare Earth Elements and Their Impact on International Relations”, ÇAKÜ SBED, c. 17, sy 1, ss. 212–230, Nis. 2026, doi: 10.54558/jiss.1890675.
ISNAD
Tam, Gürkan - Durmuş, İrfan. “The New Dynamic of Global Competition: The Technological Utilization of Rare Earth Elements and Their Impact on International Relations”. Çankırı Karatekin Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi 17/1 (01 Nisan 2026): 212-230. https://doi.org/10.54558/jiss.1890675.
JAMA
1.Tam G, Durmuş İ. The New Dynamic of Global Competition: The Technological Utilization of Rare Earth Elements and Their Impact on International Relations. ÇAKÜ SBED. 2026;17:212–230.
MLA
Tam, Gürkan, ve İrfan Durmuş. “The New Dynamic of Global Competition: The Technological Utilization of Rare Earth Elements and Their Impact on International Relations”. Çankırı Karatekin Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, c. 17, sy 1, Nisan 2026, ss. 212-30, doi:10.54558/jiss.1890675.
Vancouver
1.Gürkan Tam, İrfan Durmuş. The New Dynamic of Global Competition: The Technological Utilization of Rare Earth Elements and Their Impact on International Relations. ÇAKÜ SBED. 01 Nisan 2026;17(1):212-30. doi:10.54558/jiss.1890675