TARN 2024 MEETING Industry-led Operations of Capital in the 21st Century

The “Chip War” (Chris Miller, 2023), a battle for the world’s most critical technology and the new Nomos of the earth, has emerged as the contemporary form of the Cold War. Chips, as the material foundation and infrastructure, perform a myriad of functions including algorithms, computation, design, differentiation, documentation, memory, execution, and automation. As the core driver of the entire system, chips have propelled all digital-related industries into the age of AI.

Digital industries are not merely endorsed but are actively demanded by states. On the other hand, industry has accelerated its own pace in capital operations, reshaping the logistics and infrastructure of the production-supply chain, and dramatically altering the global geopolitical landscape. As Heidegger articulated a century ago, modern technology can be understood as the Gestell, a gigantic frame and apparatus, challenging, gathering, and ordering humanity to proceed as if destined, extracting natural and human resources. However, the digitalized automatic technology of the 21st century, disguised as innovative development, has quickened its pace and penetrated all aspects of our lives.

Through this workshop, we intend to examine the profound changes and critical challenges in the complex geopolitical landscape of Asia and the wider world, including conflicts, inequities, and the enduring impacts of colonial power relations. Our focus is on understanding these dynamics in a global context and investigating their contemporary significance.

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