Book: Chip War – The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology
Author: Chris Miller
Genre: History, Economics, Geopolitics
Rating: ★★★★★
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REVIEW
A fascinating read on how these tiny chips are at the heart of economic power, military strength, and global politics. Miller connects the dots between technological innovations and the strategic manoeuvres of nations, showing us how the race for semiconductor supremacy has become a battleground for global power. A must read. Highly recommended
TAKEAWAYS
Historical
- How these chips have evolved from simple componets to the lifeblood of modern tech, from transistors to extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography.
- Key companies such as Intel, Texas Instruments, AMD, and TSMC have played critical roles in this progression, with their innovations and competitive dynamics shaping the semiconductor ecosystem
Geopolitical:
- US
- Historically been a leader in semiconductor tech
- Companies like Intel, AMD, and Texas Instruments pioneering advances in chip design and production.
- Such dominance has given the US significant leverage in global politics and economics.
- China
- Has aggressively pursued advancements in semiconductor tech
- Aiming to reduce dependence on foreign technology and becoming a leading player
- This has led to increased geopolitical tensions with the US which sees china as a strategic threat
- Taiwan
- TSMC would only manufacture chips designed by customers
- Position Taiwan and TSMC at the forefront of global semiconductor production
- Dominance of TSMC lead to high-stakes tension between China and Taiwan
- Its facilities are vulnerable amid rising US-China tensions
- Potential for catastrophic impacts on the global economy and technology sector in case of a severe conflict in the Taiwan Strait
Economic impact:
- Semiconductor industry is characterised by rapid innovation and constant technological advancement.
- Companies invest heavily in R&D tosustain their competitive edge and drive progress
- Economic interdependence
- The global semiconductor supply chain is highly interconnected
- Different countires & companies specialise in different aspects of the production
- Disruption → widespread economic impacts
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