The rise of computer chips — and the race to control them

This article discusses the historical and future significance of semiconductors, framing them as a critical yet often overlooked technology that underpins modern life. It references a forthcoming book by Rakesh Kumar, 'The Chip Age: How Chips Shaped Our Past and Will Define Our Future' (2026), which explores how chips have driven past innovations and will shape future geopolitical and economic landscapes. The piece highlights the global race among nations and companies to control semiconductor supply chains, manufacturing, and design, given their centrality to everything from consumer electronics to national defense. It notes the strategic importance of chip sovereignty, with major powers investing heavily in domestic fabrication capacity. The content underscores the tension between technological progress and the risks of concentrated production, particularly in Taiwan and South Korea. The article serves as a broad overview rather than breaking news, aiming to educate readers on the stakes involved in the semiconductor industry.

Global Impact

The semiconductor industry's centrality to modern economies means its control has profound geopolitical and economic implications. The ongoing race to onshore chip production is reshaping global trade patterns, with the U.S., EU, Japan, and China all subsidizing domestic fabs.