From Opium Wars to Microchip Wars
Shownotes
This episode explores the long history of trade wars and the struggle for economic and technological power between nations. It traces how the Industrial Revolution transformed global competition, contributing to conflicts such as the Opium Wars and intensifying economic rivalry between Britain and Germany. The discussion examines how powerful industrial economies promoted free trade while emerging competitors often turned to protectionism, technology acquisition, and industrial espionage to accelerate their development.
The episode then draws parallels with Japan’s rise during the late 20th century and the modern technological competition between China and the United States. It considers how economic growth, trade restrictions, and the pursuit of technological dominance can reshape international relations, while questioning whether a global economy built around continual growth can manage these recurring conflicts without increasing the risk of broader confrontation.
You can listen and download our episodes for free on more than 10 different platforms:
https://linktr.ee/Hidden_History
Get the books of the Hidden History podcast:
📚 The book series: 166 true stories, 15 books, hundreds of original painted illustrations:
https://hiddenhistory10.gumroad.com/
The episode then draws parallels with Japan’s rise during the late 20th century and the modern technological competition between China and the United States. It considers how economic growth, trade restrictions, and the pursuit of technological dominance can reshape international relations, while questioning whether a global economy built around continual growth can manage these recurring conflicts without increasing the risk of broader confrontation.
You can listen and download our episodes for free on more than 10 different platforms:
https://linktr.ee/Hidden_History
Get the books of the Hidden History podcast:
📚 The book series: 166 true stories, 15 books, hundreds of original painted illustrations:
https://hiddenhistory10.gumroad.com/