Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology

Chris Miller explains how semiconductors became the backbone of modern civilization, determining both economic success and military dominance. He tracks the industry from its origins in Silicon Valley laboratories to the rise of massive fabrication facilities in Taiwan and South Korea. The narrative centers on the extreme concentration of the supply chain, specifically the reliance on ASML’s extreme ultraviolet lithography machines and TSMC’s manufacturing capabilities. Miller argues that a handful of companies control the global balance of power, creating a precarious bottleneck that defines the current geopolitical standoff between the United States and China.

Readers interested in the intersection of international relations and industrial policy will find an analysis of why microchips are more vital than oil. Business professionals and history enthusiasts gain a technical understanding of the difficulty involved in scaling chip production. The book provides a framework for evaluating current trade wars and the strategic importance of the Taiwan Strait. Those who finish the text will understand the physical constraints of Moore's Law and the specific logistical vulnerabilities that threaten the global economy.

Outward-looking and clear-cut; a moderate read.

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