In this insightful discussion, Chris Miller, an Associate Professor at Tufts University and author of "Chip War," dives into the crucial role of microchips in our technologically dependent world. He explores how these tiny components, essential for everything from smartphones to military tech, drive geopolitical tensions. Topics include the intricate semiconductor supply chain, the dominance of TSMC, and the stark competition between the U.S. and China. Miller also connects today's tech rivalries to historical Cold War dynamics, revealing the complex web of global interdependence.
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insights INSIGHT
From Humans to Transistors
Computing used to be a human profession, limited by our capacity.
Transistors, invented in 1947, revolutionized computing by representing data as on/off states.
insights INSIGHT
The Rise of Microchips
The miniaturization of transistors was driven by the need for more computing power in smaller spaces.
This led to the development of microchips, which are essentially multiple transistors on a single piece of silicon.
insights INSIGHT
Moore's Law and Exponential Growth
Moore's Law, observed by Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel, states that the number of transistors on a chip doubles approximately every two years.
This exponential growth has led to a billion-fold decrease in the cost of computing.
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The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology
Chris Miller
In 'Chip War', Chris Miller details how the semiconductor industry has become essential for modern life, influencing military, economic, and geopolitical power. The book explores the historical development of microchips, from their origins in Silicon Valley to their current role in global politics, particularly in the competition between the United States and China. Miller explains how the U.S. dominance in chip design and manufacturing contributed to its victory in the Cold War and how China's efforts to catch up are shaping the current geopolitical landscape.
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We live in a world which is completely dependent on the technology of microchips, which are made up of millions of transistors which are so small, about one thousandth of the size of a red blood cell. Making something this small and this complex is not something that can be easily replicated, meaning the world relies on just a handful of companies and countries to supply these chips. So how did we get here? And how is the scarcity of this resource affecting some of the world’s crucial geopolitical tensions? To find out more, we’re joined by Chris Miller, Associate Professor of International History at Tufts University and author of Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology. Our host for this episode is presenter and comedian, Timandra Harkness.
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