Lack of Patriotism in Silicon Valley: A Growing Concern

In Silicon Valley, a new yet controversial call for patriotism has emerged. This push is uncomfortable for both progressives and conservatives: progressives must take national security seriously, while conservatives must accept collaboration between the public and private sectors, which contradicts free-market individualism.

Alexander Karp, CEO of Palantir, in his book The Technological Republic: Hard Power, Soft Beliefs, and the Future of the West, argues that Silicon Valley has lost its sense of national ambition. He believes that the scientific progress of World War II, which led to the development of the atomic bomb and the internet, has now been replaced by superficial consumer product updates, leading to the neglect of military and national security priorities.

The Role of the Tech Industry in National Security

Throughout the 20th century, the partnership between science and government was a powerful force, strengthened by war. However, in today’s era of geopolitical tension, the West must reinforce its values rather than undermine them.

Karp directly criticizes Silicon Valley’s engineers and developers, who avoid working on defense projects because it might be socially unpopular within their circles. He argues that if you want to remain liked by your peers, you should not work with the U.S. military—a mindset that is increasingly pervasive in tech circles.

Meanwhile, despite the rapid development of artificial intelligence, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) prioritizes AI at a disappointingly low level—allocating only 0.1% of its 2024 budget to AI development.

Lack of Patriotism and Its Societal Impact

Karp argues that today’s American culture is dominated by superficial entertainment, focusing on celebrities, sports, and fashion rather than national survival. He points to a declining interest in history, cultural heritage, and national values, particularly among university students, who are either indifferent or cynical about their country’s role in global affairs.

He connects this trend to Allan Bloom’s 1987 book, The Closing of the American Mind, which warned of cultural decline and the erosion of intellectual curiosity. Karp warns that such cultural nihilism could weaken social cohesion, ultimately diminishing national defense capabilities and Western resilience in the face of global challenges.

Merging Technology and National Interests

Karp argues that technology must become a pillar of national security, requiring engineers and programmers to actively engage in defense sectors. He warns that if AI development remains focused only on optimizing social media algorithms, the U.S. risks misallocating both its culture and capital.

Thus, Karp urges Silicon Valley leaders to recognize their responsibility in safeguarding national security and technological supremacy. The pressing question remains:

Will Silicon Valley continue prioritizing market-driven innovation, or will it acknowledge its role in shaping national strategy?