Strategic Needs:
- Economic independence: Access to and control over resources reduces dependency on external sources, enhancing economic stability.
- Sovereignty: Resources can be leveraged to assert national authority and influence on the global stage.
- Military strength: Access to energy, raw materials, and other resources is crucial for maintaining a modern and effective military.
- Technological advancements: Control over resources enables investment in research and development, fostering innovation and competitiveness.
Practical Needs:
- Energy security: Access to energy sources ensures uninterrupted power supply for essential services, industrial production, and economic growth.
- Resource availability: Resources, such as water, land, and minerals, are essential for agricultural production, construction, and manufacturing.
- Economic development: Resources can be exploited to generate revenue, create jobs, and improve living standards.
- Infrastructure: Resources are required for building and maintaining roads, bridges, hospitals, and other vital infrastructure.
- Environmental sustainability: Access to and control over renewable resources (e.g., solar, wind) promotes sustainability and reduces the environmental impact of resource extraction.
How Access and Control Over Resources Addresses Strategic and Practical Needs:
- Strategic control: State or non-state actors may seek to control resources through ownership, military dominance, or economic leverage, giving them a strategic advantage over others.
- Resource allocation: Governments and corporations allocate resources based on strategic priorities (e.g., energy security, economic growth) and practical considerations (e.g., availability, cost).
- Resource conservation: Access to and control over resources allows entities to conserve and manage them for future use, balancing immediate needs with long-term sustainability.
- Risk mitigation: Having access to multiple sources of resources reduces dependency and minimizes the risk of supply disruptions or price fluctuations.
- Global cooperation: Strategic and practical needs for resources can foster cooperation and negotiation among countries, promoting stability and resource sharing.