AI and Democracy: Mapping the Intersections (carnegieendowment.org)

Emerging AI technologies are increasingly intersecting with democratic processes amid a global decline in democratic governance, highlighted by recent findings showing that in 2024, the number of democracies has fallen below autocracies for the first time in two decades. As AI's influence expands, particularly with generative AI and autonomous systems, the dual nature of these advancements poses both significant risks—such as misinformation and political manipulation—and potential benefits, like enhanced citizen participation and improved governance. The upcoming election year is crucial, with many key global elections set to test the resilience of democracies amid rising authoritarianism. Experts emphasize the importance of balancing the opportunities AI presents in transforming electoral processes and promoting civic engagement against the dangers of deepfakes and misinformation that could destabilize the democratic fabric. Many citizens express concern about being able to distinguish authentic political content from AI-generated misinformation, which could influence electoral outcomes. As governments integrate AI into public service delivery, there is a pressing need for updated regulations and policies to address the complexities of AI's role in democracy and its implications for citizen trust and political engagement.