In the battle over how we should govern ourselves, the nation state has long been the clear winner, providing the law, defence and public services. But critics argue that the independence of the nation state is being challenged by the power of Big Tech. Amazon and Microsoft host over 60% of global government cloud data, controlling state infrastructure. Alphabet and Meta autonomously filter political discourse for three billion users, swinging elections without oversight. SpaceX’s Starlink unilaterally alters wartime communications, while Anthropic has vetoed US military use of their software in autonomous warfare. The global power of Big Tech makes it difficult or impossible for nations to tax heavily, fine, or break up these corporations. Increasingly, nations are instead choosing to partner with them.

Should we recognise that nations have already ceded power to Big Tech? And in doing so is the independence of nations itself at risk? Or, can nations wrest back control, banning social media platforms, choosing different vendors, and maintaining their monopoly over law and violence?

Former leader of Ireland Leo Varadkar, Big Brother Watch director Silkie Carlo, former senior cabinet minister Michael Gove, and Demis Hassabis biographer Sebastian Mallaby debate nations vs tech.