Part 12/13:
The narrative encapsulates a remarkable shift among Silicon Valley’s elite—from progressive evangelists to pragmatists emphasizing safety and order. The public support for heightened policing and even military intervention reflects broader anxieties about urban decay and economic stability.
At the same time, the industry’s moves around mergers and strategic positioning reveal that beneath these public statements lies a complex dance of politics, economics, and influence. Whether driven by genuine concern, strategic necessity, or political alignment, these developments demonstrate that the relationships between technology, politics, and city governance are more interconnected—and contentious—than ever before.