You may have never heard of ASML—but without it, the modern world would grind to a halt. This Dutch tech company holds the keys to the most advanced chipmaking technology on Earth: extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV). And only ASML knows how to build it.

In this episode, we uncover the fascinating story of ASML, from a small Dutch startup to a near-monopoly powering the global semiconductor race. We explore how its machines—each costing over $150 million—enable the production of the tiniest, most powerful chips used in everything from smartphones to AI supercomputers.

But ASML isn’t just a tech marvel; it's a strategic asset. As geopolitical tensions rise, the company finds itself at the crossroads of global power plays between the U.S., China, and Europe.

What makes ASML so irreplaceable? And why is everyone—from Silicon Valley to Beijing—keeping such a close eye on it?