Intel's Shift: A New Role in Global Geopolitics

For decades, Intel was a leader in the semiconductor industry, but it has faced significant challenges in recent years. In response, the company appointed Pat Gelsinger as CEO to spearhead a recovery strategy. Under his leadership, Intel has secured a deal with ASML to acquire advanced manufacturing equipment necessary for producing next-generation chips. This move is part of a broader effort to regain competitiveness in a market dominated by TSMC and Samsung. The geopolitical implications of semiconductor production are profound, as both the U.S. and China view these technologies as critical to national security. The U.S. government has responded by providing substantial subsidies through the CHIPS Act, with Intel receiving a significant portion to support the construction of new fabrication plants in Arizona and Ohio. However, the timeline for Intel to produce leading-edge chips remains uncertain, with expectations set for at least 2025. Meanwhile, TSMC and Samsung are also expanding their operations in the U.S., raising concerns about Intel's ability to compete effectively. The situation is further complicated by China's ambitions to achieve self-sufficiency in chip production by 2027, which could have serious implications for global supply chains and U.S. foreign policy. As corporations like Intel navigate these challenges, they increasingly find themselves entangled in the geopolitical landscape, becoming both targets and tools of national strategies.