The Chip War: Technology, Economy, Geopolitics

"The Chip Wars: Technology, Economy, and Geopolitics" provides an in-depth analysis of the strategic importance of semiconductors in today's world. It presents the chip as a fundamental element connecting physics, economics, and geopolitics, serving as both a productivity module and a tool for power projection. The paper traces the evolution of the semiconductor industry, from its origins to the rise of giants like TSMC and ASML, which hold monopolies on key technologies like EUV lithography. Central to this analysis is an analysis of the US-China conflict over technological dominance, including US sanctions and Chinese responses. The paper also highlights the brutal economics of the industry, the enormous production costs and complex supply chains, as well as the existential importance of chips for the modern economy, military, and the development of artificial intelligence, from historical applications in the Apollo program to contemporary drones and AI accelerators.