Across the world, artificial intelligence (AI) is helping autocrats consolidate power and fundamentally altering the relationship between citizen and state. The promise of Arab Spring and digital revolutions has given way to mass surveillance and growing repression. China is driving the proliferation of AI technology to authoritarian regimes as a key component of its geopolitical strategy. From Pakistan to Zimbabwe, a dangerous authoritarian vision of the future is taking shape. Democracies must think seriously about how to counter these trends and shape better practices.
For a preview of Steven’s work, and if you are interested in preparing for his talk, here is a recent paper that he has published on this subject.
Steven Feldstein is Associate Professor and Frank and Bethine Church Chair of Public Affairs at Boise State University, and nonresident fellow with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s Democracy and Rule of Law Program. He served as a deputy assistant secretary for democracy and human rights at the U.S. Department of State (2014-17).