How did the Chinese Communist Party build near-total control over the world’s most critical battery inputs? And how can the U.S. respond before it’s too late?

Josh Birenbaum of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) joins Elaine Dezenski on Coercive Capital to discuss their new report which breaks down the CCP’s strategic capture of the global battery supply chain—and outline what it will take for the United States to regain control.

Based on FDD’s July 2025 report, “Unplugging Beijing,” this episode offers a practical, urgent blueprint for restoring American battery independence.



Topics include:

How China cornered the lithium, nickel, and graphite markets

The role of state-backed firms in Beijing’s battery dominance

Why market solutions alone won’t solve the problem

What U.S. policymakers must do now—and who’s already behind



Hosted by Elaine Dezenski.

New episodes weekly on Coercive Capital.

How did the Chinese Communist Party build near-total control over the world’s most critical battery inputs? And how can the U.S. respond before it’s too late?Josh Birenbaum of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) joins Elaine Dezenski on Coercive Capital to discuss their new report which breaks down the CCP’s strategic capture of the global battery supply chain—and outline what it will take for the United States to regain control.Based on FDD’s July 2025 report, “Unplugging Beijing,” this episode offers a practical, urgent blueprint for restoring American battery independence. Topics include:How China cornered the lithium, nickel, and graphite marketsThe role of state-backed firms in Beijing’s battery dominanceWhy market solutions alone won’t solve the problemWhat U.S. policymakers must do now—and who’s already behind Hosted by Elaine Dezenski.New episodes weekly on Coercive Capital.

Coercive Capital explores the intersection of U.S. economic and national security and global financial reform. Global adversaries are weaponizing our trade and financial systems, while Illicit financial flows, kleptocracy, and organized crime continue to erode democratic systems and destabilize economies. Elaine Dezenski brings together experts who understand these emerging threats and provide insights into the risks and emerging opportunities to strengthen our collective response.

Coercive Capital with Elaine Dezenski

How did the Chinese Communist Party build near-total control over the world’s most critical battery inputs? And how can the U.S. respond before it’s too late?

Josh Birenbaum of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) joins Elaine Dezenski on Coercive Capital to discuss their new report which breaks down the CCP’s strategic capture of the global battery supply chain—and outline what it will take for the United States to regain control. 

Based on FDD’s July 2025 report, “Unplugging Beijing,” this episode offers a practical, urgent blueprint for restoring American battery independence.

Topics include:

How China cornered the lithium, nickel, and graphite markets
The role of state-backed firms in Beijing’s battery dominance
Why market solutions alone won’t solve the problem
What U.S. policymakers must do now—and who’s already behind

Hosted by Elaine Dezenski.
New episodes weekly on Coercive Capital.

Unplugging Beijing: How to Reclaim America’s Battery Supply Chain

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/7c38b746-d479-486f-a247-b331010953df/transcript