Fabian Villalobos

Fabian Villalobos serves as a Senior Engineer and Professor of Policy Analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy. He is an inaugural fellow of RAND's Global Scholar Program and manages RAND's Engineering and Applied Sciences Speaker Seminar Series. His work uniquely combines engineering expertise with policy analysis, focusing on national security implications of technological developments and resource dependencies.

Villalobos earned his Ph.D. in materials science from UC Riverside. His academic background in materials science and chemical engineering provides the foundation for his current interdisciplinary work at the intersection of technology, economics, and geopolitics.

Dr. Villalobos specializes in the complex relationship between technology, economics, and geopolitics, with particular emphasis on national security issues. His research spans emerging technologies, logistics, acquisitions strategy, defense industrial base analysis, and China-related strategic competition. He has developed specialized expertise in critical mineral supply chains, battery technology, semiconductor supply chains, U.S.-China technological competition, military deception, and military electrification. His work examines how electrification and critical minerals impact technology development, energy security, economic development, international trade, climate policy, and global relations.

Analysis of Villalobos' recent publications reveals a consistent focus on critical mineral supply chains and their geopolitical implications. His research spans multiple disciplines including international relations, defense policy, resource management, and technology policy. Key themes include supply chain resilience, strategic mineral alliances, seabed mining potential, and the intersection of military strategy with resource availability. His work demonstrates sophisticated understanding of how technological developments intersect with national security concerns and international competition, particularly between the United States and China.

• Inaugural fellow of RAND's Global Scholar Program
• Commentary published in World Economic Forum, The Hill, Barron's, and DefenseNews
• Quoted in New York Times, PolitiFact, and Factcheck.org
• Invited speaker on critical minerals and battery supply chains for domestic and international audiences

As a co-inventor and co-author of patents, Villalobos brings practical industry experience to his academic work. He has worked with both startups and established manufacturers supporting R&D, product development, supply chains, quality assurance, and business development. His work frequently involves collaboration with government agencies and international organizations, as evidenced by his presentation to a United Nations expert group meeting on critical minerals.

Dr. Villalobos manages RAND's Engineering and Applied Sciences Speaker Seminar Series, demonstrating leadership in fostering academic exchange. His research addresses the Arctic region, China's industrial policy, and information operations, reflecting the breadth of his expertise in geopolitical strategic competition. He has examined these issues across multiple regions including the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, and the Indo-Pacific, providing comprehensive analysis of global resource dependencies and their security implications.