67 pages 2 hours read

Chip War

Nonfiction | Book | Middle Grade | Published in 2022

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Essay Topics

1.

Analyze the ways in which the book connects the development of semiconductor technology to geopolitical power shifts. In what ways does Miller’s narrative suggest that advancements in semiconductors serve as both tools of national security and levers of global influence?

2.

Discuss the role of individual visionaries and innovators, such as Jack Kilby, Morris Chang, and Gordon Moore, in shaping the semiconductor industry. How does Miller portray their contributions, and to what extent does the book emphasize individual vs. collective impact on technological progress?

3.

Explore the implications of Miller’s comparison of the current tech competition between the United States and China to the “Sputnik moment.” How does this analogy frame the stakes of the semiconductor industry in modern geopolitics, and what lessons can be drawn from the historical context Miller provides to address current challenges?

4.

Chip War portrays Taiwan as a central player in the semiconductor industry. Examine the island’s role within the global tech landscape and discuss how its strategic importance influences both regional stability and international relations.

5.

Evaluate the economic and ethical considerations presented in Chip War surrounding intellectual property and technology transfer. How does Miller address the tension between innovation and theft, and how does this tension shape the strategies of nations and corporations alike?

6.

Assess Miller’s portrayal of Moore’s Law and its projected “end” in the near future. How does the concept of Moore’s Law function as both a scientific and cultural metaphor in the book, and what might its potential decline signify for global technological development?

7.

In what ways does the book explore the theme of interdependence and vulnerability within the global supply chain? How does Miller argue that “weaponized interdependence” might impact future conflicts or alliances?

8.

Examine how Miller presents the historical evolution of Silicon Valley. How does his portrayal highlight the relationship between localized innovation and the broader shift toward a more globalized tech economy?

9.

Discuss the literary techniques Miller uses to present technical and political content in a way that is accessible and engaging. In what ways does his narrative approach bridge the gap between expert-level technical knowledge and broader public understanding of geopolitical stakes?

10.

How does Chip War reflect broader trends in economic and nationalistic policy, such as the push for onshoring and self-sufficiency? Analyze how Miller’s treatment of this theme illustrates the balance between globalization and national security in the tech industry.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 67 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,800+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools