In March 2025 the Phelan US Centre spoke to John Minnich, Assistant Professor in the Department of International Relations at LSE about why semiconductors are so important in the global economy, and why the US is willing to go to what Dr Minnich terms, economic war, over them. They also discussed how the semiconductor trade is framed as a national security issue in the US and China, and how President Trump may approach the ‘chip-war’ in coming months.
Further reading and resources
- Ling S. Chen and Miles M. Evers, “‘Wars without Gun Smoke’: Global Supply Chains, Power Transitions, and Economic Statecraft,” International Security 48, no. 2 (Fall 2023): 164–204.
- Disaggregating China, Inc. by Yeling Tan (2024) | Cornell University Press –
- 11 November 2024 – China’s evolving approach to economic security with Professor Yeling Tan | The Ballpark podcast
- 13 February 2023 – China’s Belt and Road with Professor Taylor Fravel | The Ballpark podcast
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You effectively highlights the multifaceted importance of semiconductors, touching upon technological, economic, and geopolitical dimensions, and underscores the intensity of the competition between the US and China in this sector. The mention of Dr. Minnich’s perspective on the US engaging in what he terms “economic war” over semiconductors adds a layer of depth to the understanding of the stakes involved.