The Security–Sustainability Nexus: Lithium Onshoring in the Global North

Abstract The political economy of lithium, a “critical mineral” for the renewable energy transition, is marked by two striking developments. First, Global North governments that have historically offshored mining are onshoring lithium to enhance “supply chain security.” Second, these committed “sustainably sourcing” lithium. In this article, I theorize both developments in terms novel security–sustainability nexus: an interlocking set policies and justifications promote extraction emphasize environmental credentials mining. nexus evidences alignment between state corporate interests. For public officials, counter China’s “dominance” over battery supply chains. auto firms, translates into lucrative incentives, security, reputational benefits. However, despite state–corporate alignment, tensions within illuminate contradictions green capitalism. conclude geopolitical socioenvironmental conflicts material foundations transition reshaping inequalities linked extractive sectors.