In “Bytes and Bullets,” Steve Feldstein explores the global race for technological dominance, focusing on innovations like AI and drones that are reshaping modern warfare. He highlights Israel’s advancements and the experimental technologies in Ukraine. Sharon Weinberger’s “Valley of Death” delves into the relationship between Silicon Valley and the US defense sector, challenging the notion of tech’s inherent libertarianism. She details how the Pentagon’s early support helped tech firms grow, leading to the Pentagon–Silicon Complex, where tech companies now wield significant influence. Weinberger uses the story of NeXT, Steve Jobs’s company, to illustrate how government contracts were crucial for tech firms, as intelligence agencies sought superior private-sector technology. This evolving dynamic raises questions about the future of warfare and the role of private tech in national security.
QUESTION: How might the increasing collaboration between tech companies and government agencies impact the future of privacy and individual freedoms?
How big tech is building a military–industrial complex in the age of AI
