As China ramps up its control over the world’s critical minerals market – producing over 90% through separation and refining processes – the United States is facing an uphill battle in a critical mineral rivalry that poses a direct threat to America’s economic and national security.

The Indo-Pacific is a strategic arena for this rivalry, with Pacific Island nations as a specific focus. From resource competition to geographic advantages for American interests, American engagement with the Pacific Islands will be a major factor in outcompeting China…

I had the privilege of flying the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules (“Herc”) as a navigator while on active duty in the U.S. Air Force from 1996 to 2004. Distinguishing itself in Vietnam through its versatility and ability to operate on unimproved airfields, the C-130 proved there’s little it can’t do. From providing lethal close air support on the battlefield, to airdropping humanitarian assistance where security concerns preclude landing (recently, for example, in Gaza), to landing on blacked out dirt strips to offload essential cargo, the C-130 is a can-do platform with can-do aircrews that demonstrates the critical importance of using all the tools of American power—development, and diplomacy alongside defense— to build a better, safer world…

For the residents of Kapiri Mposhi, Zambia, the global competition between the United States and China is right at their doorstep. Both countries have selected the town as an endpoint for their African regional railroad projects, making it the nexus from which American and Chinese tracks will diverge. The people of Kapiri Mposhi are, quite literally, facing a fork in the road, and the path they choose will have real consequences for the Sino-American race for influence…

I had the privilege of flying the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules (“Herc”) as a navigator while on active duty in the U.S. Air Force from 1996 to 2004. Distinguishing itself in Vietnam through its versatility and ability to operate on unimproved airfields, the C-130 proved there’s little it can’t do. From providing lethal close air support on the battlefield, to airdropping humanitarian assistance where security concerns preclude landing (recently, for example, in Gaza), to landing on blacked out dirt strips to offload essential cargo, the C-130 is a can-do platform with can-do aircrews that demonstrates the critical importance of using all the tools of American power—development, and diplomacy alongside defense— to build a better, safer world…

When Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Latin America for his first trip as Secretary of State in February, he sent a signal about the region’s strategic importance to the United States. He described Latin America as “A prosperous region rife with opportunities,” one with which the U.S. can “strengthen trade ties, create partnerships to control migration, and enhance our hemisphere’s security.” In the last 50 years, there has only been one other first visit by a Secretary of State to Latin America. Secretary Rubio’s emphasis on the region demonstrates that some of the best opportunities exist in our own hemisphere…

Women’s economic empowerment in the Middle East is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity. When women have economic opportunities and legal rights, economies grow, extremism declines, and societies become more stable. This, in turn, enhances global security—including the stability of the United States…

America witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene this past September in parts of North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, followed shortly by Hurricane Milton hitting Florida’s west coast in early October…

More than 18 million veterans live in the U.S., and we are deeply grateful to the men and women who have served our country in the U.S. military. This Veterans Day, we reflected on the sacrifices made by those in uniform and their steadfast commitment to safeguarding our nation and upholding its leadership on the world stage…

The USGLC is proud to have a wide and deeply engaged coalition of government, business, military, faith, and humanitarian leaders committed to building a safer and more prosperous world for all. This month, in celebration of Military Appreciation Month, we are shining a spotlight on three of our USGLC state leaders, the impactful work they are carrying out as part of our Armed Forces, and why leading globally matters locally…

The USGLC is proud to have a wide and deeply engaged coalition of government, business, military, faith, and humanitarian leaders committed to building a safer and more prosperous world for all. This month, in celebration of Arab-American Heritage Month, we are shining a spotlight on two of our Advisory Committee members, the impactful work they are carrying out in their communities, and why leading globally matters locally…

The continued resilience of the Ukrainian people and Western resolve is a testament, in part, to the impact of American leadership and investment to ensure Ukraine’s government can continue to function and defend its territory. Read on for ways that USGLC private sector and NGO members are supporting the people of Ukraine…

There is no doubt the American people have great respect for our military servicemembers. As a result, the United States military is well resourced, equipped, and expertly trained. For many of our servicemembers, that training starts as officer...

In early March, the Biden administration released its Interim National Security Strategic Guidance—a framing document released ahead of the National Security Strategy (NSS) that serves as an early signal of U.S. foreign policy priorities in the Biden Administration. By using diplomacy and development to connect the administration’s domestic priorities to America’s foreign policy priorities, the president has clearly signaled the significant role these tools will play over the next four years.