Artificial Intelligence and Democratic Governance:  Opportunities and Challenges

Today no day goes by without talking, thinking and being impacted by artificial intelligence (AI).  Every aspect of our human lives has been touched by AI in one way or another. The economy, accountability and civic participation are but a few key dimensions that intersect and engage with AI dynamically.  Policy, regulation, ethics and integrity, and rules are all key element to analyze AI and its influence on democratic governance.  Moreover, while AI may have some useful and valuable elements, the risks are currently at the center of debates regarding AI’s compatibility with democratic governance.  Authoritarian regimes and systems are using AI to sustain their power and to suppress rights and freedoms even outside their borders, while democracies have to navigate pluralistic approaches to ensure rights and liberties are protected and develop when using AI and implement strategies to manage risk scenarios. What is driving the current debate and discussions related to AI and democratic governance?