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GeoTech Wars

Semiconductors and Geopolitics with Chip Wars Author Dr. Chris Miller

Sep 21, 2023
Dr. Chris Miller, an expert in international history at Tufts University, discusses the fierce global competition in the semiconductor industry. He unpacks how geopolitical tensions shape procurement strategies, especially in China under U.S. restrictions. The conversation highlights Taiwan's strategic importance and the shift of manufacturing to new countries like India and Vietnam. Miller also addresses the balance of competition and collaboration in tech, including concerns about China's advancements in chip technology and the implications of recent U.S. investment controls.
31:38

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The semiconductor industry's geopolitical significance highlights Taiwan's critical role, underscoring the complexities of global supply chains and national security.
  • Despite the U.S. CHIPS Act's intent to enhance domestic manufacturing, significant challenges remain due to reliance on international supply chains and advanced technology domination by Taiwan and South Korea.

Deep dives

The Significance of Semiconductor Chips

Semiconductor chips have become a fundamental component in understanding contemporary geopolitical dynamics. Their critical role in technology and national security has shifted attention toward countries that dominate this industry, particularly Taiwan, which has emerged as a key player in semiconductor manufacturing. The staggering fact that China spends as much on importing semiconductors as it does on oil underlines the importance of these components in global trade. This intricacy of supply chains, in which chips are pivotal, emphasizes that comprehending the nuances of globalization and U.S.-China relations requires a focus on semiconductor production.

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