What are the main strategies used by nations to gain control over strategic resources?

There are several main strategies that nations employ to gain control over strategic resources. These strategies include:

1. Military intervention: Nations may use military force to directly seize control over strategic resources. This can involve invasion, occupation, or even annexation of territories rich in these resources. For example, the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq in 1990 was driven by the desire to gain control over Kuwait's vast oil reserves.

2. Economic dominance: Nations may use economic power to gain control over strategic resources. This can be achieved through various means such as establishing trade agreements, offering financial aid or investment to resource-rich countries, or exerting economic pressure through sanctions or embargoes. By controlling the economic aspects, nations can influence the production, distribution, and pricing of strategic resources.

3. Diplomatic negotiations: Nations may engage in diplomatic negotiations to secure access to strategic resources. This can involve bilateral or multilateral agreements, treaties, or alliances with resource-rich countries. Diplomatic negotiations aim to establish mutually beneficial relationships that ensure a steady supply of resources.

4. Exploration and extraction: Nations may invest in exploration and extraction activities to discover and exploit new sources of strategic resources. This can involve funding research and development, establishing mining or drilling operations, or partnering with resource-rich countries to jointly exploit resources. By actively participating in the extraction process, nations can secure a direct stake in the control and distribution of these resources.

5. Technological advancements: Nations may invest in research and development to develop new technologies that reduce dependence on specific strategic resources or enhance their own resource extraction capabilities. By developing alternative sources or improving efficiency in resource utilization, nations can reduce their vulnerability to resource scarcity and gain a competitive advantage.

It is important to note that these strategies can often lead to geopolitical conflicts as nations compete for control over limited resources. Conflicts may arise due to conflicting interests, territorial disputes, or the desire to maintain a strategic advantage in the global arena.