Energy Dominance’s Meaning is Different in a Changing World
The National Interest
by Nurul Rakhimbekov
July 17, 2025
As the world continues to change and adapt, energy dominance will see its definition change to reflect a changing world.
“Energy dominance” is more than oil rigs and gas wells. In today’s geopolitical landscape, it means the United States has the ability to influence global energy markets, secure reliable and affordable domestic energy, and lead in innovations that range from raw materials to advanced technologies.
Symptoms of true dominance translate into boosting rare earth mineral and nuclear energy production around the globe, revising regulations, and making the United States a leading exporter of energy by controlling the entire supply chain.
Currently, the United States lacks the capacity to meet its own demand for critical minerals like lithium, graphite, and uranium — all of which are the keys to batteries, EVs, semiconductors, and defense systems. Mountain Pass in California is the only major light rare earth mine, and a significant portion of its output is sent to China for processing. The United States produces no heavy rare earths, such as dysprosium or terbium, and imports over ninety percent of its uranium, much of which comes from Kazakhstan
While the United States focused on oil and gas, China cornered the market on processing materials vital to the future, and Russia expanded its global nuclear influence. But efforts are underway. Despite long permitting delays and environmental hurdles, new exploration and pilot projects are taking shape in Montana, Wyoming, Texas, Nebraska, and Alaska.
The 2025 U.S.-Ukraine strategic minerals agreement provides American companies with early access to Ukrainian lithium, titanium, and rare earths, thereby securing vital inputs for domestic manufacturing rather than outsourcing jobs.
Interest is also growing in Greenland and Central Asia. Kazakhstan, in addition to its vast rare-earth deposits, controls over forty percent of the global uranium supply, and Uzbekistan also holds mineral deposits that require development. Both seek alternatives to Chinese and Russian dependence, creating opportunities for US investment, infrastructure, and governance support.
A diversified US energy portfolio is essential. Alongside leadership in oil and gas, the United States must invest in nuclear, renewables, hydrogen, and clean tech. While Russia builds large-scale nuclear plants, the United States leads in small modular reactors (SMRs)—a safe, flexible, and ideal option for regions without robust power grids. Promoting SMRs in Eastern Europe and Central Asia offers energy alternatives to Russian dependency while opening markets for American technology.
Domestic processing and manufacturing are equally critical. MP Materials’ Texas plant will produce rare earth magnets used in everything from wind turbines to EVs, keeping the entire value chain on US soil instead of relying on China.
To support this transformation, the United States must invest in workforce development across the fossil fuel, nuclear, and renewable sectors. At home, we should focus on ensuring affordability and resilience, protecting American households and industries from energy prices through diversified sourcing and domestic capacity.
Infrastructure modernization is overdue. Upgrading the national grid, expanding LNG terminals and rare earth facilities, and bolstering strategic reserves are essential steps. The United States is now building uranium and rare earth stockpiles similar to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve while funding domestic production, stockpile expansion, and partnerships from mining to magnet fabrication.
Financing is evolving to match this strategic vision. Lifting the World Bank’s ban on funding mining in developing countries, along with the Development Finance Corporation’s initiatives, will enable global mineral sourcing that directly supports American industry. Legislation like the Advance Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act have invested billions in nuclear innovation, battery tech, and recycling, enabling us to reduce raw material imports while generating high-tech jobs.
Relying on imports hurts our energy independence. But that’s old thinking. True energy security today comes from having trusted partners and resilient supply chains, not trying to do everything ourselves. Energy security today means resilient, trusted global supply chains. By sourcing critical minerals globally and processing them domestically, the United States can maintain its industrial capacity, grow its exports, and enhance its geopolitical influence.
America must also build energy alliances to counterbalance authoritarian regimes like Russia and Iran. Energy diplomacy—especially in Central Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia—should be a central component of US strategy.
In the 20th century, energy dominance meant controlling oil wells and petroleum reserves. In the 21st century, energy dominance means leading in SMRs, battery plants, and rare earth processing—powered by global resources but anchored in American industry. Securing resources abroad while driving industrial revival at home is not just an energy strategy—it’s national security and economic leadership rolled into one.
About the Author: Nurul Rakhimbekov
Nurul Rakhimbekov is a global analyst specializing in geopolitics, international development, governance, and infrastructure oversight, with over two decades of experience spanning Eurasia. He is the Founder and President of the DC-based think tank Center for Global Civic and Political Strategies, a policy institution focused on geopolitical research, including sanctions evasion, energy cooperation, and regional security. In the years following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Rakhimbekov played a central role in establishing one of the first regional networks of independent election observers and trained political parties across the post-Soviet space. His background includes leading humanitarian, civic education, and legislative reform initiatives with U.S.-funded development programs in Central Asia and Ukraine (1996–2007).
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/energy-world/energy-dominances-meaning-is-different-in-a-changing-world
