In the midst of an ever-evolving global economic landscape, the leveraging of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technology has become pivotal for nations and corporations aiming to secure a competitive advantage or sustain their dominance. With this backdrop, public-private collaborations have gained momentum, spanning from Larry Ellison’s ambitious Stargate Project, valued at $500 billion, to Saudi Arabia’s substantial $600-billion investment in emerging technologies.
During a significant address at the Milken Institute in early May, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent underscored that for the United States, achieving supremacy in artificial intelligence and quantum computing is not merely a strategic ambition but a necessity. Bessent starkly put it, “If we do not lead in AI and quantum, nothing else matters.” This reflects a growing consensus within defence and policy circles about the critical role of AI in modern warfare and governance—ranging from the deployment of autonomous vehicles and missile guidance systems to cyber surveillance and advanced data analytics.
Indeed, the fabric of global power is being re-threaded through these technological advancements, with governments increasingly depending on the prowess and innovation offered by private companies. As such, certain companies are emerging as leaders within this AI-military nexus, significantly shaping the contours of future governance and warfare.
### 1. Oracle Corporation
Founded in the late 1970s by Larry Ellison, Oracle has evolved into a behemoth offering a suite of cloud services—Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS). Under Ellison’s vision, Oracle has transcended beyond mere profit-making; it has positioned itself at the confluence of technology and governance. Oracle’s commitment to enhancing governance through technology is evident in its substantial contributions to the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change—aiming to harness AI for more streamlined and effective governance.
Ellison has been vocal about the potential of AI in fostering better citizen behaviour through enhanced government oversight and efficiency. This vision finds expression in Oracle’s ambitious Stargate Project, a collaborative endeavor with OpenAI and SoftBank, aimed at establishing an extensive data center infrastructure. Additionally, the company’s Oracle Defense Ecosystem initiative seeks to provide advanced OODA (observe, orient, decide, and act) tools for defence and governmental agencies, leveraging Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI).
Despite the company’s proactive stance on AI governance, Oracle maintains a strong performance on the stock market, with its shares witnessing a notable surge. This financial robustness is attributed to the consistent growth of its IaaS segment and Ellison’s audacious goal of making Oracle the “most profitable cloud applications company in the world”.
### 2. Palantir Technologies
Palantir Technologies, on the other hand, mirrors Oracle’s trajectory, albeit with a sharper focus on governance systems. The company’s AI stack has often been likened to the revolutionary impact of Microsoft’s Windows operating system. Palantir’s collaboration with entities like Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency showcases its integral role in streamlining government operations. The strategic alliance with Oracle further solidifies Palantir’s position in leveraging cloud infrastructure for governmental use.
As layers of bureaucracy and complexity in governance increase, both in the United States and globally, the imperative for adaptive and responsive control systems becomes critical. In this evolving scenario, Palantir’s and Oracle’s strategic moves are not just about securing a competitive edge but reshaping the dynamics of governance through AI.
### 3. Archer Aviation
Exploring the broader implications of AI in military applications, Oracle and Palantir’s partnership extends to initiatives with Anduril Industries, a company specializing in AI-driven autonomous vehicles and weaponry systems. Founded by Palmer Luckey, Anduril represents a new era in defence technology, with significant investments propelling its growth and innovation. Archer Aviation, although primarily known for its foray into commercial eVTOL deployment, is contributing to this trend through its defence division, highlighting the interconnected nature of civilian and military advancements in AI.
### Closing Thoughts
As the fusion of artificial intelligence with governmental and military applications accelerates, the landscape of global governance and power is unmistakably shifting. Companies like Oracle, Palantir, and Archer Aviation are at the forefront of this transformation, not merely as profit-driven entities but as architects of a new paradigm. These developments encapsulate a broader trend where the symbiosis of cutting-edge technology with strategic governance holds the promise and peril of shaping the future.
In this era of rapid technological advancement, the dialogue between public needs and private innovation becomes crucial, casting these collaborations not just in terms of economic gain but as milestones towards a new governance ethos. As we stand on the brink of this new era, the unfolding narrative of AI’s role in governance and warfare underscores a pivotal moment in our collective history.
