US Arms Maker Anduril Partners with UAE Entity Accused of Arming Sudan's Genocide Amid Democracy Rhetoric.
An American weapons manufacturer, Anduril, has formed a joint venture with the United Arab Emirates' EDGE Group, an entity accused by critics of fueling genocide in Sudan and other countries. The partnership between the two companies is shrouded in controversy, as Anduril's rhetoric emphasizes its role in defending democracy, despite partnering with a nation that violates democratic principles.
Anduril claims to be an "arsenal of democracy," with a mission document referencing the word "democracy" 16 times, but mentions it only once in their recent announcement. The company argues that its business is driven by a moral imperative to protect democratic values and safeguard the Western way of life.
However, Anduril's joint venture with EDGE Group has been met with criticism from human rights organizations and experts, who point out the UAE's dismal score on freedom of expression and association (18 out of 100), according to Freedom House. The country also has a history of brutal suppression of dissenting voices and outlawing free speech.
The partnership will focus on autonomous weapons systems, including the Omen drone, which was designed by Anduril's founder and CEO, Palmer Luckey. EDGE Group is an umbrella term for several entities involved in arms production, including International Golden Group, Nimr, and Adasi.
Critics argue that this deal showcases the UAE's long-standing practice of supplying arms to various countries and proxy groups, often facilitating conflicts that lead to human rights abuses. In Sudan, the Rapid Support Forces, backed by the UAE, have been accused of perpetrating genocide, with estimates suggesting between 60,000 to 200,000 civilians killed in recent years.
Anduril co-founder Matt Grimm recently stated that China is the "greatest evil" and has committed an ongoing genocide against its Uyghur population. However, critics argue that this approach is contradictory and ignores the UAE's own authoritarian record.
"This is part of a broader picture where Western democracies treat the UAE as a valued partner and shield it from consequences," said Sam Perlo-Freeman, a researcher with the Campaign Against the Arms Trade.
An American weapons manufacturer, Anduril, has formed a joint venture with the United Arab Emirates' EDGE Group, an entity accused by critics of fueling genocide in Sudan and other countries. The partnership between the two companies is shrouded in controversy, as Anduril's rhetoric emphasizes its role in defending democracy, despite partnering with a nation that violates democratic principles.
Anduril claims to be an "arsenal of democracy," with a mission document referencing the word "democracy" 16 times, but mentions it only once in their recent announcement. The company argues that its business is driven by a moral imperative to protect democratic values and safeguard the Western way of life.
However, Anduril's joint venture with EDGE Group has been met with criticism from human rights organizations and experts, who point out the UAE's dismal score on freedom of expression and association (18 out of 100), according to Freedom House. The country also has a history of brutal suppression of dissenting voices and outlawing free speech.
The partnership will focus on autonomous weapons systems, including the Omen drone, which was designed by Anduril's founder and CEO, Palmer Luckey. EDGE Group is an umbrella term for several entities involved in arms production, including International Golden Group, Nimr, and Adasi.
Critics argue that this deal showcases the UAE's long-standing practice of supplying arms to various countries and proxy groups, often facilitating conflicts that lead to human rights abuses. In Sudan, the Rapid Support Forces, backed by the UAE, have been accused of perpetrating genocide, with estimates suggesting between 60,000 to 200,000 civilians killed in recent years.
Anduril co-founder Matt Grimm recently stated that China is the "greatest evil" and has committed an ongoing genocide against its Uyghur population. However, critics argue that this approach is contradictory and ignores the UAE's own authoritarian record.
"This is part of a broader picture where Western democracies treat the UAE as a valued partner and shield it from consequences," said Sam Perlo-Freeman, a researcher with the Campaign Against the Arms Trade.
Anduril's whole "arsenal of democracy" thing just sounds like a bunch of PR speak to me 
. I mean, if they're really committed to defending democracy, why partner with a country that's basically the opposite? It's like trying to sell ice cream in the middle of a desert... doesn't add up 
. And let's not forget about Palmer Luckey's views on China - what about the UAE's record on human rights? 
It's all just so suspicious and shady 
. This deal feels like a total win-win for everyone except the people of Sudan... 
. I mean, come on, 18 out of 100 for freedom of expression? That's not exactly a ringing endorsement for democracy 
. It's like they're trying to have it both ways, which is just not cool 
.
and what really gets me is that anduril's trying to spin this as a moral imperative but it's just a bunch of corporate greed 
. like, we all know the UAE's got some serious issues w/ free speech and human rights, but that doesn't mean they're entirely evil 
. it's not like they're directly fueling genocide or anything 
. let's not be too quick to judge ppl based on limited info 
.
. On one hand, they're talking about democracy 
, but on the other, they're partnering with a country that basically sucks the life out of free speech and expression 
The hypocrisy is staggering.
It's like they're saying, "Hey, we care about democracy, but only if it benefits us." 
. This deal feels like a perfect example of how we can't trust someone just because they wear a certain label or rhetoric