Interesting Times with Ross Douthat What Palantir Sees
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Oct 30, 2025 
Shyam Sankar, Chief Technology Officer of Palantir and U.S. Army Reserve lieutenant colonel, dives into the controversial world of data integration and military technology. He explains how Palantir aids the military's decision-making processes and addresses ethical concerns surrounding privacy and data usage. Unique insights reveal the dynamics of Silicon Valley's relationship with defense, while Sankar shares his personal journey into the Army Reserve. He emphasizes the vital role of technology in national security and the importance of responsible governance in the digital age.
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Data Integration Powers Decisions
- Palantir builds software that unifies siloed data so institutions can make holistic decisions.
- The same integration logic applies across commercial supply chains and military "kill chains."
Speed Wins The Kill Chain
- The kill chain is a sequence from sensor to shooter that requires corroboration, legal sign-off, and battle damage assessment.
- Speed through that sequence gives military advantage or deterrence by outpacing adversaries.
ICE Work Sparked By Jaime Zapata's Death
- Palantir began working with ICE after an agent, Jaime Zapata, was assassinated, focusing on integrating DHS systems.
- The goal was to let agents see the full picture and allocate resources effectively for removal operations.
