The Rundown Deep Dive: The Reunion of Silicon Valley and the U.S. Military
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Jun 7, 2025 Explore the surprising historical alliance between Silicon Valley and the U.S. military, revealing how past military investments fueled tech growth. Discover the ethical dilemmas surrounding modern military collaborations, especially in AI and automation. Delve into the transformative impact of drones and advanced technologies on warfare, as U.S. concerns about China’s lead in these areas reshape military strategy. The rekindled relationship between tech giants and defense could redefine national security for the future.
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Silicon Valley's Military Roots
- Silicon Valley's origins are linked to U.S. military technology investments in the 1950s and 60s.
- Early tech focused on strategic weapons and spy planes, not consumer apps.
DARPA's Role in Tech Innovation
- DARPA's Cold War investments created key tech like the internet and GPS.
- The defense and tech sectors were historically intertwined, fueling innovation.
Tech Worker Pushback on Military Projects
- Google canceled Project Maven after 3,000 employees protested using AI for military drones.
- Microsoft faced similar employee pushback after winning an Army augmented reality contract.