Diving into the critical role of semiconductors, also known as computer chips, in geopolitics and the global economy, we find ourselves aboard the US destroyer USS Mustin. It was August 2020, and the ship was sailing through the Taiwan Strait, armed with advanced weaponry heavily reliant on semiconductors. Taiwan, the ship's destination, houses TSMC, the world's leading producer of the most advanced chips. These chips power devices for companies like Apple. To maintain its dominance in cutting-edge chip technology, the US has implemented export controls against Chinese companies such as Huawei.

Transitioning from the geopolitical scene, it's important to understand that chips are the lifeblood of all advanced technology, from smartphones to missiles. Their creation involves a meticulous process of etching tiny transistors onto silicon wafers. According to Moore's Law, the number of these transistors doubles each year, a trend that has fueled the digital revolution. Silicon Valley, with its blend of scientific expertise, manufacturing capability, business acumen, and a culture of innovation, has been instrumental in driving this progress.

Moving our focus to Taiwan, we find that it has become the nerve center of advanced chip manufacturing, producing a staggering 92% of the world's most sophisticated chips. This industry is heavily dependent on intricate international supply chains and chokepoints, such as lithography machines produced solely by ASML in the Netherlands. A significant earthquake in Taiwan or any other disruption could severely impact production.

This concentration of manufacturing in Taiwan is not accidental but the result of deliberate decisions made by corporations and governments over decades. However, this has also created a significant vulnerability, given the ongoing tensions between the US and China over Taiwan's status. Any disruption to TSMC's operations could have catastrophic economic consequences.

In conclusion, semiconductors have significantly influenced geopolitics, economics, and military power. To fully grasp the implications of the silicon age, it's crucial to delve into the contested history and fragile supply chains that underpin these essential devices.