Winter Is Coming... For Critical Minerals: Daenerys Targaryen on the U.S.'s New 'Minerals for Muscle' Strategy

A Deal Struck: Ukraine's Riches for American Might?

My loyal subjects the world whispers of a new game one played not with dragons and fire but with minerals and muscle. It seems the Americans led by a man who reminds me a touch of King Robert (though perhaps less fond of the grape) have forged an alliance with Ukraine. A 'landmark resources deal,' they call it. I prefer to think of it as a pact: minerals for muscle. A simple enough transaction isn't it? Give me your resources and I shall protect you.

Echoes of the Dragonpit: Are More Pacts on the Horizon?

The so called 'experts' (Maesters of coin and stone perhaps?) are buzzing that this Ukraine deal is just the first course. Apparently the U.S. fancies striking similar bargains with other resource rich lands. The Democratic Republic of the Congo with its vast cobalt reserves is mentioned. Could this be a new era of alliances forged not in blood and conquest but in trade and security? One must wonder are they building an army or just a very shiny set of armor?

The Red Dragon's Shadow: China's Grip on the Supply Chain

Ah but there is always a shadow lurking isn't there? In this case it's the Red Dragon of China with its scales firmly grasping the world's critical minerals. They control a staggering 60% of the rare earth minerals production. The Americans with a hint of desperation see this as a strategic vulnerability. Can they truly break China's dominance or will they merely singe its scales?

Resource Nationalism: The Unsullied of Trade?

Here's where it gets thorny my friends. This 'resource nationalism' sounds suspiciously like those pesky Dornish refusing to bend the knee! It appears many mineral rich countries are less than thrilled at the prospect of trading away their resources for promises of security. They seem to value their independence as much as I value my dragons. A noble sentiment but perhaps a foolish one in these times.

Canada's Cold Shoulder: Not for Sale... Ever!

And then there's Canada a land apparently not so keen on being the 51st state. Their new leader a man named Mark Carney told the Trump fellow point blank that his country is 'not for sale.' Trump ever the charmer replied 'Never say never.' It seems even in the world of geopolitics the game of thrones is always afoot. Will Canada bend the knee or will it stand defiant? Only time will tell...

A Game of Minerals: Who Will Win the Iron Throne?

So there you have it. A world scrambling for resources forging alliances and battling for dominance. It reminds me a bit of Westeros only with fewer dragons and more spreadsheets. Will the U.S. succeed in its 'minerals for muscle' strategy? Will China maintain its grip on the supply chain? And will Canada ever agree to be the 51st state? These are the questions that keep a Mother of Dragons up at night. For now I shall watch and wait and perhaps when the time is right unleash my own strategic reserves. After all fire and blood always have a place at the table.