Palantir book on AI weapons and Western power draws criticism

Defence software firm's executives advocate military technology development and national service in published work.

A book coauthored by Palantir Technologies CEO Alexander Karp and the company's head of corporate affairs Nicholas Zamiska has drawn criticism after the firm posted a summary on social media outlining arguments for Western military dominance through artificial intelligence¹².

The Technological Republic argues that leading US technology firms have a "moral debt" to the United States and that the country requires "hard power" driven by advanced software to maintain global dominance¹. The book contends that future deterrence will rely on AI rather than nuclear weapons, and that US adversaries will not hesitate to develop AI weaponry¹. Palantir summarised the position: "If a US Marine asks for a better rifle, we should build it; and the same goes for software"¹.

The publication extends beyond typical corporate positioning, calling for the introduction of national service, describing technology companies' defence participation as a "moral" duty, and advocating for an embrace of religion in public life². The work also emphasises cultural hierarchies and references what it describes as "regressive" cultures².

Eliot Higgins, founder of the investigative platform Bellingcat, responded sarcastically to what he characterised as a manifesto from a technology company². Other critics have described the book's positions as promoting the weaponisation of artificial intelligence by the US and its allies¹.

Palantir holds multibillion-dollar contracts with multiple US government agencies including the US Army, and maintains partnerships with the Israeli military¹. The company faces criticism for its support of President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement measures and its backing of Israeli military operations in Gaza and the occupied West Bank².