Technology, Alliances, and American Leadership.

July 4, 2026

1:06

Technology, Alliances, and American Leadership.

Here's something that might surprise you — America's tech leadership isn’t just about Silicon Valley anymore. According to Ben Horowitz and the team at a16z, the real game-changers are how technology, especially AI, is shaping global power dynamics. Now, here's where it gets interesting — countries around the world are racing to adopt frontier tech, not just to boost their economies but to secure their national security. Anne Neuberger points out that trusted international partnerships are key to building resilient innovation ecosystems. Meanwhile, Raghu Raghuram highlights that helping startups expand globally isn’t just good business — it's strategic for maintaining influence in the tech race. And Jen Kha emphasizes that Western tech remains a critical asset, especially in cybersecurity and defense. As content+a16zpodcast@a16z.com notes, the future of global tech leadership depends on collaboration, trust, and a relentless push for innovation — because in this game, staying still isn’t an option.

Ben Horowitz is joined by Anne Neuberger, Raghu Raghuram, and Jen Kha to discuss a16z's expanding international strategy and the growing role technology plays in economic growth, national security, and global partnerships.

The conversation explores why America's technology leadership matters beyond Silicon Valley, how AI is reshaping relationships between governments and the private sector, and why countries around the world are looking to adopt frontier technologies while building stronger innovation ecosystems of their own.

They discuss AI infrastructure, cybersecurity, defense technology, startup expansion, and what it takes to build enduring technology ecosystems. Along the way, they examine the role of trusted partnerships, the importance of Western technology, and why helping founders expand globally has become an increasingly important part of company building.

Resources:

Read more about a16z’s global mission: https://a16z.com/a16zs-global-mission/

Follow Ben on X: https://x.com/bhorowitz

Follow Anne on X: https://x.com/AnneNeuberger

Follow Raghu on X: https://x.com/RaghuRaghuram

Follow Jen Kha on X: https://x.com/jkhamehl

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Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.

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Audio Transcript