Positives This book is widely praised for its excellent writing, which is described as straightforward, concise, and highly cohesive. Reviewers highlight the author's skill in effectively laying out her arguments and clearly explaining China's strategic position in the rare earths market, as well as the significant concerns associated with its control. The book is commended for its holistic approach, balancing sufficient technical detail with a strong focus on the political economy of rare earths and drawing parallels to historical commodity trends such as salt and oil. For readers already familiar with rare earths, the second chapter is noted as potentially skippable, allowing for an even quicker read while still providing comprehensive context for newcomers.
Negatives While the book offers a timely and cohesive look at the rare earths market as of 2017, some readers express a sense of disappointment or even depression when reflecting on the subsequent years. This sentiment stems from the observation that many of the critical issues and warnings presented in the book have largely gone unaddressed, despite the clear writing on the wall. This highlights the persistent and challenging nature of the problems the book describes, with significant progress on mitigating the highlighted risks only very recently beginning to emerge, rather than being a criticism of the book's content at the time of its publication.
Conclusion Overall, the book stands out as a valuable and insightful analysis of a critical global issue. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in international political economy, commodity markets, and the strategic implications of resource control. Those seeking a clear, comprehensive, and engaging explanation of complex geopolitical and economic dynamics, especially concerning global supply chains and strategic materials, will find this book an illuminating and thought-provoking read.
