How big tech is building a military–industrial complex in the age of AI

In recent years, the global rivalry for technological supremacy has intensified, with nations competing to gain an advantage in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies like drones, space-based weapons, and semiconductors. Two recent books explore this arms race: Steve Feldstein's "Bytes and Bullets" and Sharon Weinberger's "Valley of Death". Both examine the role of big tech in modern warfare.

Feldstein discusses how technological innovations are becoming crucial in geopolitical conflicts, highlighting examples such as Israel's early leadership in drone technology and innovative prototypes tested on Ukrainian battlefields. The book also highlights the shifting dynamics between big tech and the US defense establishment.

Weinberger's work delves deeper into this relationship, showcasing how the Pentagon has nurtured the growth of technology firms and how these companies have amassed wealth and influence, operating increasingly independently of the state.

The story of NeXT, a computer company founded by Steve Jobs after he left Apple, is a key illustration. Israel's funding helped NeXT develop powerful computers for the CIA, which wanted to analyze satellite imagery. This support was crucial for NeXT's survival while Apple struggled to find funding. As a result, NeXT's software became the foundation for Apple's Mac operating system and iPhone, which are now widely used.

The relationship between Silicon Valley and the US national-security apparatus has evolved over time. PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel and his Stanford Law School friend Alex Karp adapted fraud detection techniques to create Palantir, a software firm specializing in intelligence data analysis. Elon Musk, another PayPal co-founder, used his success in the tech industry to invest in SpaceX, a space technology firm, and now uses his company for defense contracts, retaining ownership of the technology unlike traditional defense contractors.

However, this partnership between technology firms and the military is not without challenges. Google employees protested against Project Maven, a Pentagon program using AI to analyze drone footage. While some tech firms, like Palantir, continued their defense work, others, like Google, faced resistance.