Artificial intelligence is no longer just a technological challenge; it is a political force that is reshaping the foundations of democratic life.
From algorithmic decision-making in the public sector to opaque private platforms that influence what we see, say, and believe, AI systems are increasingly central to how power is exercised in contemporary societies. In this scenario, governments, corporations, and platforms compete for strategic advantage. The result is that, all around the world, AI systems are being deployed in ways that amplify surveillance, distort public discourse, disempower citizens, and shift authority away from democratic institutions.
What does this mean for the future of democracy? And what is the role of public institutions, policymakers, and academic communities in responding to these challenges?
This roundtable brings together policy leaders, visiting fellows, and members of the broader EUI community for an open, cross-sectoral conversation about how to confront the democratic implications of AI. The goal is not only to diagnose the risks, but also to reflect on what forms of governance, resistance, and reform are possible, and necessary.
To guide the discussion, we will explore three interrelated clusters of questions:
1- AI as a threat to democratic institutions and public trust
What role do algorithmic systems play in shaping public discourse, political participation, and collective agency? What are the implications of algorithmic bias, surveillance, and information manipulation for public trust and civic agency?
2- Governance, regulation, and the political economy of AI
What legal, institutional, or even more informal mechanisms could help reclaim democratic control over AI development and deployment? Can algorithmic transparency and AI audits meaningfully counteract the threats to democracy, or do we need more structural change? How can national and transnational regulatory efforts keep pace with rapid technological developments?
3- Academia’s role in shaping democratic AI Policy
How can academic institutions play a more active role in supporting democratic responses to AI? What kinds of interdisciplinary research, capacity-building, and policy engagement are needed to ensure that future leaders are equipped to deal with the political implications of AI? Are we doing enough to connect technical expertise with democratic values and public interest?
Participants will be invited to reflect on these themes through open dialogue, building on diverse disciplinary and professional perspectives. Rather than providing definitive answers, the roundtable aims to surface tensions, provoke new thinking, and strengthen the collective imagination around democracy in the age of AI.
Speakers:
- Lisa Ginsborg, Research Fellow, EDMO, STG
- Paula Gori, Programme Coordinator, EDMO, STG
- Nina Shengelia, Policy Leader Fellow, STG
- Alex Grech, Associate Professor, University of Malta
- Anna Colaps, Visiting Fellow, STG
Moderated by Marta Cantero Gamito, Research Fellow, AI & Democracy, STG
This event is jointly organised between the STG on Artificial Intelligence & Democracy and the Policy Leader Fellowship Programme.