Print this page The Rise of AI Super Companies: Should We Be Alert or Alarmed?

Artificial intelligence is developing at extraordinary speed, and a handful of powerful companies are increasingly shaping its direction. Palantir, OpenAI and Anthropic are forging relationships with governments, influencing public policy and helping define the future of AI. This course examines the rise of these billion-dollar companies and explores their impact on security, intelligence, democracy, regulation and global power. Participants will consider whether meaningful oversight is possible and discuss the opportunities and risks that arise when technological innovation becomes concentrated in the hands of a few influential organisations. Designed for a general audience, the course encourages informed and balanced discussion about one of the most important developments of our time.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face to face
• Online

COURSE RESOURCES

• https://bworldonline.com/world/2026/04/22/744734/australia-and-new-zealand-central-banks-monitoring-anthropics-mythos-release/
• https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crk1py1jgzko
• https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jun/15/ai-use-by-the-us-government-is-ballooning-and-the-lack-of-transparency-is-troubling
• https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/4/20/technofascism-critics-accuse-palantir-of-pushing-ai-war-doctrine
• https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gjkj7975po
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UQqd6w9r9s
• https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/30/peter-thiel-palantir-threat-to-america
• https://www.sfa-oxford.com/knowledge-and-insights/critical-minerals-in-low-carbon-and-future-technologies/critical-minerals-in-artificial-intelligence/ 

COURSE OUTLINE

• How is the exponential, eye-watering rise of artificial intelligence growth tilting our world on its axis?
• How are AI 'techpreneurs' impacting on security, intelligence, resource consumption, rare earth mineral mining and government relations?
• Who are the entrepreneurs behind Palantir, OpenAI and Anthropic. Who are their Chinese competitors? Is this a new geo-strategic arms race?
• What is the end game for the largest AI companies?
• Can democracy survive their end game?

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Make informed observations about the AI landscape.
• Distinguish between Palantir, OpenAI and Anthropic.
• Understand how AI 'techpreneurs' are impacting on security, intelligence, resource consumption, rare earth mineral mining and government relations
• Understand the geo-strategic reasons behind US - China competition.
• Critique the end game of the largest AI companies.
• Appreciate the interplay with liberal democracy.