Technology firm Palantir has sparked global outrage after publishing a 22-point manifesto envisioning a future of autonomous weapons and deep integration between big tech and government. The doctrine has intensified debate about the growing power of Silicon Valley and its ties to militaries accused of war crimes.

This week on UpFront, Redi Tlhabi speaks with economist and former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis about what Palantir's manifesto really reveals, and why Varoufakis believes big tech is peddling an ideology he compares to the racial hierarchies of Nazism and apartheid.

With the thrust and parry of rigorous debate, Mehdi Hasan cuts through the headlines to challenge conventional wisdom, highlight contradictions and uncover double standards.

UpFront

Through rigorous debate, Marc Lamont Hill cuts through the headlines to challenge conventional wisdom.

<p>Through rigorous debate, Marc Lamont Hill cuts through the headlines to challenge conventional wisdom.</p>

Varoufakis on Palantir, AI warfare, and the rise of tech lordism | UpFront

With the world focused on the war on Iran, Israel’s genocide in Gaza has slipped from the headlines. But despite a ceasefire, Israel has continued to expand its military control inside the enclave, raising fears of a more permanent occupation or even a renewed incursion.

Since the 2025 ceasefire, Israeli forces have pushed beyond the so-called 'Yellow Line -  the boundary meant to separate areas under Israeli control from the rest of Gaza.

So what is actually happening on the ground? How far has Israel’s presence expanded? And what does it mean for Palestinians in Gaza?

This week on UpFront, Redi Tlhabi speaks with Ray Adams Row Farr, editor at Forensic Architecture, about how the organisation is documenting Israel’s expanding presence and what it means for Gaza.

Is Israel expanding into Gaza despite ceasefire? | UpFront

After the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, has the US entered a new age of political violence? The third alleged attempted assassination of US President Donald Trump in recent years follows a series of politically motivated violent incidents last year, including the assassinations of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk and Democratic state legislator Melissa Hortman. What is causing the increase in political violence in America? And how much is the Trump administration driving the politically divisive atmosphere with violent rhetoric and lethal foreign policy?

This week on UpFront, Redi Tlhabi speaks with Robert Pape, professor of political science at the University of Chicago and author of the upcoming book “Our Own Worst Enemies: America in the Age of Violent Populism”.

The rise of political violence under Trump

US President Donald Trump has indefinitely extended a ceasefire with Iran, but the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Three ships have been attacked in the past week, and Tehran shows no sign of yielding. Trump has simultaneously issued shoot-to-kill orders against small Iranian boats, while Iran's chief negotiator's adviser declared the ceasefire extension "means nothing".

This week on UpFront, Redi Tlhabi speaks with journalists Samira Mohyeddin and John Fredericks about who really holds the cards in this conflict and whether the US blockade will bring the Iranian regime to its knees, or entrench a deepening deadlock.

Varoufakis on Palantir, AI warfare, and the rise of tech lordism | UpFront

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Varoufakis on Palantir, AI warfare, and the rise of tech lordism | UpFront

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