Discussions around economic security are gaining momentum in policy circles. From the Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS Act to recent semiconductor investments and efforts to stockpile critical minerals, both major political parties acknowledge that government intervention in markets is essential to maintain U.S. global influence and ensure sustainable growth. However, there remains a gap in comprehensive long-term thinking about the objectives of industrial policy and national economic resilience.
To stimulate deeper analysis, ChinaTalk has launched a series of essay competitions.
The first two prompts focus on foundational questions: What should be the primary benchmarks guiding economic security policy? Is there an equivalent to the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate of ‘2% inflation and full employment’ that could guide broader strategic goals?
The second question asks participants to identify where they would allocate $10–50 billion to maximize returns on economic security. Submissions may include defensive strategies to protect supply chains or offensive moves to gain technological advantage, either as a single transformative idea or a diversified portfolio of initiatives.
The contest features a distinguished panel of judges, including Jake Sullivan, former National Security Advisor now at Harvard Kennedy School; Chris Miller, author of Chip Wars and frequent contributor to ChinaTalk; Dan Kim, former Chief Economist for the Chips Program Office; and Dan Wang, writer of the Breakneck newsletter.
Winning entries will share a $3,000 prize pool and be republished on ChinaTalk. Essays should range between 2,500 and 4,000 words.
Submissions are due by March 1.
More details and entry instructions can be found through the official submission portal.
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$3000 Essay Contest on Economic Security
Economic security is having a moment. From the IRA and CHIPS Act to Trump’s Intel deal and critical mineral stockpile, both parties have recognized that the government needs to take a more active role in markets to preserve US power and long term growth. But deep thinking about the long term goals of industrial policy and economic security are still lacking. n nTo kickstart thinking, ChinaTalk is running a series of essay contests. n nThe two prompts we’ll start with: n nWhat are the most important high level KPIs that policy should aim for? What is the analogy of the Fed’s ‘2% inflation and full employment’ target for economic security? n nWhere today would you put $10-50bn to get the most for your investment in economic security? Feel free to propose both defensive and offensive ideas, and either a portfolio of ideas or the one large idea you think will deliver the most value. n nWe have an all-star list of judges for this essay contest, including n nJake Sullivan, former NSA now at the Harvard Kennedy School n nChris Miller, Chip Wars author and belt-holder for most ChinaTalk appearances n nDan Kim, former Chief Economist for the Chips Program Office n nDan Wang , author of Breakneck n nThe best essays will receive a share of a $3000 prize pool and will be reposted on ChinaTalk. Aim for 2500-4000 words. n nSubmit Your Essay Here. n nDeadline March 1.