The Future of Warfare: Anthropic vs Open AI - The Rest Is Politics Recap

Podcast: The Rest Is Politics

Published: 2026-03-05

Duration: 539

What Happened

Rory Stewart and Matt Clifford examine the evolving landscape of AI and its implications for geopolitics and defense. They discuss the ethical considerations surrounding AI in warfare, particularly focusing on the Anthropic Department of Defense (DoD) deal. The conversation highlights how private companies, like Elon Musk's Starlink, can set ethical red lines that impact government actions, raising questions about the control private entities have over military technology.

The hosts delve into the complications arising from the dependencies that modern defense systems have on software and private contractors. The example of Afghanistan's reliance on U.S. contractors for maintaining military equipment underscores the vulnerabilities nations face when they do not fully control their defense apparatus. They argue that without nationalizing these services, countries remain at the mercy of private companies.

Matt Clifford argues for the importance of Europe developing its own AI capabilities to avoid over-reliance on the U.S., especially under administrations like Trump's, which may not prioritize regulation and safety. He suggests that Europe should combine its resources to create a robust AI infrastructure, including building advanced compute centers and developing AI models domestically.

The episode also touches on the competitive nature of AI development, with companies like OpenAI and Anthropic vying for dominance. This competition creates an environment where ethical considerations can be sidelined in the pursuit of technological advancement and market position.

Rory Stewart expresses concern about the timing of AI development in the context of global politics, particularly under the unpredictable leadership of the Trump administration. He contrasts this with China's more structured approach to AI development, suggesting that their long-term planning might offer more stability in managing AI's integration into society.

The discussion concludes with a call to action for European policymakers to collaborate and invest in AI development. By doing so, Europe can ensure it has a seat at the global table and can influence the ethical and practical applications of AI technology.

Key Insights