Most dangerous and yet desirable place: TSMC in Taiwan

Abstract

This talk will introduce the geopolitical tug of war that is presently occurring in the semiconductor industry. The development of Taiwan’s premier semiconductor manufacturer, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), will be the focus of the talk.

Semiconductors are components that feature in many of the devices powering modern, everyday life. These include computers, mobile phones, vehicles, and household appliances. Semiconductor production is intricately linked to the global value chain, meaning that it depends on processes occurring in various parts of the world. However, unforeseen global events, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, or geopolitical conflicts, disrupt supply chains.

About the speaker

Dr. Chun-Yi Lee is Associate Professor in the School of Politics and International Relations, and Director of the Taiwan Studies Program, at the University of Nottingham. Her first book, Taiwanese Business or Chinese Security Asset?, was published by Routledge in 2011. She is currently working on her second monograph, on semiconductor manufacturing and geopolitics. She is editor in chief of the on-line academic magazine, Taiwan Insight, and co-editor of the ‘Taiwan and World Affairs’ book series with Palgrave.

Registration

This event is open to the public and free to attend, however registration is required. Complete the online registration form. Please note that this seminar is taking place on campus and will not be recorded or live-streamed.

Chair: Professor Steve Tsang (Director, SOAS China Institute)

Organisers: SOAS China Institute and SOAS Centre of Taiwan Studies

Contact email: sci@soas.ac.uk

Image credit: Timo Volz on Unsplash