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

Initially promoted by the U.S. military after World War II to stay ahead of the Soviets in the arms race, semiconductors later became commercialized and embedded in our everyday gadgets. The journey of chip technology is truly fascinating. While innovation and advancements have surged, so have the choke points. This technology has driven globalization and progress, yet it’s unsettling to realize how few companies control such a critical industry.

The invention of the transistor by physicists like Shockley, Bardeen, and Brattain, and its commercialization by pioneers like Noyce, Moore, Kilby, and others, is a remarkable story. Perfecting the manufacturing process for such a complex product was no small feat, and it wasn’t just one country that contributed to its advancement. How Japan overtook the U.S. in the production of DRAMs and how South Korea caught up quickly and overtook Japan is very exciting to read about. The global effort behind semiconductor innovation is incredible.

The author does a great job of keeping the reader engaged. I learned much about different processor architectures, photolithography, EUV machines, major industry players, and various chip types—CPUs, GPUs, DRAM, and more. The supply chain and the interdependence of nations are truly fascinating. This global collaboration, where experts across countries work together, ensures that no single entity can monopolize or destabilize the system entirely. Each player, be it in the U.S., Europe, or Asia, plays a crucial role.

The dominance of Morris Chang’s TSMC on the world stage, rising from a small island like Taiwan, would have been unimaginable when chip fabrication first moved offshore to bypass union issues, lower labor costs, and maximize profits. This technology has transformed economies, created millions of jobs, and significantly improved living standards worldwide.

The rise of fabless companies like NVIDIA is amazing and yet their dependence on single foundries like TSMC make them seem so fragile.

Semiconductors have brought both progress and power shifts. The Gulf War in 1990–1991 saw the use of U.S. precision-guided missiles powered by advanced semiconductor technology, reshaping modern warfare. While the war ended quickly, conflicts in the Middle East have persisted for decades.

Can China’s determination to become world leaders in this technology, come true and at what cost?

The book was written in October 2022, but as of 2025, things have changed. TSMC has now established foundries in Europe, the U.S., and Japan to reduce the risks of a single-point chokehold. Without globalization, there is no progress. Yet, it is confusing and troubling to see political leaders adopt nationalist tones and push for isolation. In an industry so deeply intertwined across borders, such policies could hinder advancement rather than protect it.

This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to dive into the fascinating history, present and future of the technology that’s shaping our world.

© 2025 Sindhuja Cheema Enzinger. All Rights Reserved.