: A central focus is the rising tension between the U.S. and China. While the U.S. currently leads in design, China is investing billions to catch up, viewing chip independence as vital to its military and economic goals.
: Unlike a dry textbook, Miller tells the story through the people behind the technology, from pioneers like Gordon Moore and Jack Kilby to modern industry titans. Reader Experience : A central focus is the rising tension between the U
: Miller argues that today's global economy and military superiority are built on microchips. The book traces how the U.S. harnessed computing power to win the Cold War and maintain its dominance. currently leads in design, China is investing billions
While highly acclaimed for its depth, some international readers note a heavy focus on American perspectives, suggesting it occasionally overlooks the historical contributions of the European electronics industry. The book traces how the U
In Chris Miller's , the economic historian provides a gripping account of how the semiconductor became the most essential resource in the modern world. Often described as a mix between a political thriller and a history book, it details the high-stakes race for technological supremacy. Key Themes & Highlights
Reviewers on platforms like and Amazon praise the book for being accessible to readers without a technical background. It has been recognized as a landmark study, winning the 2022 FT Business Book of the Year Award .