Part 17/19:
Palantir’s decision not to sell software to Russia or China underscores its focus on national security. Karp perceives these regimes as adversaries, believing that advanced surveillance and defense technology should stay within allied hands. The company’s work with Western intelligence agencies signals an implicit belief that such tools, if misused, could be dangerous in the wrong hands.
The Future and Legacy: A Business Built on Philosophy and Controversy
The Path Forward
Steinberger notes that Karp sees Palantir as a foundational technology akin to IBM’s role in the 20th century—integral to government, finance, and military operations. This embeddedness presents both opportunities and risks, as technological power can be exploited for malign purposes or serve as a force for good.