Are Semiconductors the New Oil?

Episode Details

Given their critical role in everything from complex weapons guidance systems, to medical devices, video games, and watches, semiconductors today have much the same pervasive effects oil did in the 20th century; determining the economic fortunes of countries, the outcomes of wars, and the everyday lives of individuals.

This week, Chris Miller of the Fletcher School joins EconoFact Chats to discuss his new book Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology, highlighting among other things, the extraordinarily complicated, and geographically concentrated chip fabrication process, the geopolitical vulnerabilities that concentration raises, and the scope for the U.S. to onshore chip production.