Recent breakthroughs in machine learning have dramatically heightened the demand for cutting-edge computing chips, driving advancements in semiconductor technologies. At the forefront of this progress is Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography—a transformative method in microchip fabrication that enables the creation of ultra-small, high-performance devices. However, the path from raw materials to these state-of-the-art chips navigates a complex global supply chain riddled with technical challenges and geopolitical tensions. As nations vie for dominance in computing power, control over this supply chain has emerged as a strategic priority, featuring prominently in a high-stakes competition with global implications. Designed for all audiences, this talk explores the critical intersection of science, technology and global affairs shaping our future.