In the high-stakes world of tech diplomacy, former national security whiz Brett McGurk is proving that the revolving door between government and venture capital is spinning faster than ever. After two decades of navigating complex geopolitical landscapes, McGurk has traded government briefing rooms for Silicon Valley boardrooms, becoming a venture partner at Lux Capital and Cisco’s special Middle Eastern envoy.

McGurk’s latest passion? Steering AI investments into the Gulf region, a strategy that’s as bold as it is controversial. By escorting tech luminaries like Josh Wolfe and Cisco’s CEO Chuck Robbins to meet with Saudi and UAE leadership, he’s positioning himself as a crucial bridge between American innovation and Gulf capital.

From Situation Room to Venture Capital

His transition isn’t just about making money – it’s about strategic positioning in the global AI race. McGurk sees potential in partnering with Gulf states, arguing that their massive capital and energy resources could be key to maintaining U.S. technological dominance. “I want to be part of this era,” he says, referencing tense moments like watching Iranian missiles potentially targeting Israel.

Ethical Gymnastics of Tech Diplomacy

But let’s be real: partnering with authoritarian regimes raises serious ethical questions. McGurk’s response? A pragmatic shrug, suggesting that engagement is better than isolation. He points to Saudi Arabia’s reduced extremism as proof that American partnership can drive positive change.

The AI Future: Government Meets Silicon Valley

McGurk envisions a future where AI transforms national security decision-making, potentially placing AI agents right in the Situation Room. It’s a vision that’s part sci-fi, part realpolitik – and entirely representative of the tech world’s increasing geopolitical influence.

Whether you see him as a savvy dealmaker or a controversial opportunist, one thing’s clear: Brett McGurk is rewriting the playbook for government-tech relations.