Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare

Edward Fishman examines how the United States government utilizes its control over the global financial and technological architecture to exert geopolitical influence. The text details the evolution of economic statecraft from traditional trade embargoes to the weaponization of dollar-clearing systems and high-end semiconductor supply chains. Fishman explains the mechanics of financial sanctions, such as the expulsion of adversaries from the SWIFT messaging network, and analyzes how targeted export controls function as strategic bottlenecks. He evaluates the efficacy of these measures against major powers like Russia and China while weighing the long-term risks of global fragmentation.

Policymakers, international investors, and business leaders read this book to understand the shifting landscape of global risk. It provides a technical map of how commercial infrastructure now serves as a primary tool for national security. Readers gain a clear framework for anticipating regulatory shifts and institutional responses to international conflict. By studying these chokepoints, professionals can better predict how systemic financial dependencies will be leveraged in future diplomatic standoffs, allowing for more informed strategic planning in an era where market access is tied to political alignment.