Ethical AI and Democratic Governance: Challenges and Innovations in Political Methodology

Abstract

This panel, convened under the section of Political Methodology, delves into the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and governance. It aims to explore the multifaceted implications, challenges, and opportunities presented by the integration of AI technologies in public policy and administration. The panel seeks to illuminate how AI is reshaping the landscape of governance and the conduct of political affairs. The panel will feature experts and thought leaders who will address a range of critical issues, including the ethical deployment of AI in public sectors, the impact of AI on policy-making processes, and the role of AI in enhancing or challenging democratic values and practices. A significant focus will be on the practical aspects of AI implementation in governance, discussing both the potential benefits, such as increased efficiency and better decision-making, and the risks, such as biases and threats to privacy and civil liberties. Another core aspect of the panel will be the examination of regulatory frameworks and policies needed to govern AI applications effectively. This includes discussions on existing and proposed legislation, the role of international cooperation in standard-setting, and the development of best practices for responsible AI use in governance. The panel will also explore the future trajectory of AI in the political realm, speculating on how emerging technologies might further transform governance. It will provide a platform for dialogue among policymakers, technologists, academics, and civil society, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and navigating the challenges posed by AI in the public sphere. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, this panel aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how AI can be harnessed for public good while safeguarding democratic principles and ensuring ethical, transparent, and accountable AI deployment in governance. The session is designed to be interactive, encouraging audience participation and engagement in a critical dialogue about the future of AI in the realm of politics and policy. Welcomed Key Areas for Proposed Abstracts: ▪️ Demonstrations of new data sources and research practices in political methodology, their development, and implications. ▪️ Contributions on how new evidence from innovative data sources can revive theoretical developments or bridge theoretical divisions in political science. ▪️ Identification of specific challenges in subfields of political methodology. ▪️ Discussions on new practices for ethical data collection, addressing privacy and consent in the age of Big Data. ▪️ Strategies to connect with practitioners seeking new political tools and insights into the role of technology, AI, and ethics in contemporary policymaking. ▪️ Examination of how political methodology is adapting to the challenges posed by Big Data, identifying gaps and future challenges.

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