AI + Democracy: Regulation + Impacts of AI on Democratic Movements

Artificial intelligence is invariably a hot button topic, no more so than in political science. Amid disinformation, ever greater data collection, and the turbocharging of political tools, AI can be both a force for good and bad in the democratic sphere. This participatory discussion will critically examine the impacts of AI on democratic movements in quasi-authoritarian states and on government functions in existing democracies. Moreover, we ask: how should democracies think about regulating AI? What does a technological social contract owe the citizens of a democracy?

The event will feature presentations by Dr. Jie Jason Lan of the Ash Center, Prof. Marc Aidinoff of Harvard’s Department of History of Science, and Dr. Hollie Russon Gilman of New America, followed by thought-provoking debates on the impact of AI on democracy moderated by Global Democracy Caucus members. Participants will also have the opportunity to share their perspectives during this interactive session.