One of the most asked questions I receive is “what keeps you up at night?” So, I figured I would turn that question into a series called “Things I (Don’t) Worry About” where I’ll discuss all the things that have me tossing and turning and what helps me sleep like a rock. First on the docket is the semiconductor industry.
I’ve done a number of videos on semiconductors in recent times, so my concerns shouldn’t come as too big of a surprise…but let’s dive right in.
The production of semiconductors can be equated to the personification of globalization. These dinky little chips have one of the most complex supply chains in the world; think dozens of highly specialized companies helping chips move along the value add chain until they are finally ready to be jammed into your smartphone.
With that in mind, you can start to picture how little it would take to disrupt the entire semiconductor industry. This makes the competition between industry leaders Intel and TSMC that much more important, as it will help to expand operational capabilities and increase resiliency in the supply chain.
The bottom line is that even if China does not decide to invade Taiwan, we are already looking at a scary future for all that tech we know and love.
Here at Zeihan On Geopolitics we select a single charity to sponsor. We have two criteria:
First, we look across the world and use our skill sets to identify where the needs are most acute. Second, we look for an institution with preexisting networks for both materials gathering and aid distribution. That way we know every cent of our donation is not simply going directly to where help is needed most, but our donations serve as a force multiplier for a system already in existence. Then we give what we can.
Today, our chosen charity is a group called Medshare, which provides emergency medical services to communities in need, with a very heavy emphasis on locations facing acute crises. Medshare operates right in the thick of it. Until future notice, every cent we earn from every book we sell in every format through every retailer is going to Medshare’s Ukraine fund.
And then there’s you.
Our newsletters and videologues are not only free, they will always be free. We also will never share your contact information with anyone. All we ask is that if you find one of our releases in any way useful, that you make a donation to Medshare. Over one third of Ukraine’s pre-war population has either been forced from their homes, kidnapped and shipped to Russia, or is trying to survive in occupied lands. This is our way to help who we can. Please, join us.
