STRATEGIC MATERIAL Meaning and
Definition
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Strategic material refers to any substance or resource that holds significant strategic and military value due to its scarcity, importance in manufacturing processes, and critical role in national security and defense. These materials are crucial for a country's economic, industrial, and military capabilities, and their availability or scarcity can greatly impact a nation's ability to compete in the global arena.
Strategic materials can broadly encompass various types of resources, including minerals, metals, fuels, and other natural substances, as well as synthetic elements or compounds that possess special properties or characteristics with strategic importance. These materials are often essential components in the production of advanced weaponry, electronic devices, aerospace equipment, and high-tech industries.
The strategic significance of these materials stems from their vital role in maintaining geopolitical leverage, sustaining military capabilities, and ensuring economic stability. Nations with control over abundant or scarce strategic materials possess a distinct advantage in terms of technological advancement, national security, and trade negotiations.
Given their critical nature, governments often invest in research, development, and acquisition of strategic materials to build reserves, secure domestic supply chains, and reduce dependence on foreign sources, thereby reducing vulnerabilities and safeguarding national interests.
The strategic importance of acquiring and managing these materials has been evident throughout history, especially during times of conflict or geopolitical tensions where countries strive to maintain a strong grip on key resources to bolster their own positions while potentially crippling their adversaries.
Etymology of STRATEGIC MATERIAL
The term "strategic material" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate words.
The word "strategic" comes from the Greek word "strategos", which means "general" or "commander". It originated from the combination of "stratos" meaning "an army" and "agein" meaning "to lead or to command". The term evolved in the military context and became associated with the planning and execution of large-scale operations.
The word "material" stems from the Latin word "materia" which means "substance" or "matter". It refers to the physical substances or resources that are utilized or worked upon to create or achieve certain objectives.
When combined, the term "strategic material" generally refers to resources or substances that hold significant importance or value due to their role in fulfilling strategic objectives in various fields, such as military, economic, or industrial.
