The Consequences of Generative AI for Democracy, Governance and War

{
  "authors": [
    "Steve Feldstein"
  ],
  "type": "legacyinthemedia",
  "centerAffiliationAll": "dc",
  "centers": [
    "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace"
  ],
  "collections": [
    "Tech and Democracy"
  ],
  "englishNewsletterAll": "democracy",
  "nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
  "primaryCenter": "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
  "programAffiliation": "DCG",
  "programs": [
    "Democracy, Conflict, and Governance"
  ],
  "projects": [],
  "regions": [],
  "topics": [
    "Democracy",
    "Technology"
  ]
}

In The Media

The Consequences of Generative AI for Democracy, Governance and War

The potential impact of generative AI across politics, governance and war is enormous, and is the subject of considerable speculation informed by few hard facts.

By Steve Feldstein

Published on Oct 10, 2023

Global Politics and Strategy

About the Author

Steve Feldstein

Senior Fellow, Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program

Steve Feldstein is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in the Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program. His research focuses on technology, national security, the global context for democracy, and U.S. foreign policy.

Recent Work

Q&A
What We Know About Drone Use in the Iran War
- Steve Feldstein, Dara Massicot
Q&A
Are All Wars Now Drone Wars?
- Jon Bateman, Steve Feldstein

Democracy Technology

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

More Work from Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center

Commentary
Diwan
Exporting Fossil Fuels Through Cloud Computing
The GCC states’ use of Artificial Intelligence will generate much leverage over the global digital infrastructure and climate talks.
Camille Ammoun
Commentary
Diwan
The Promise and Risks of Artificial Intelligence
Uneven investment in the technology will widen regional inequalities in the Middle East and North Africa.
Nur Arafeh
Article
The Future of Cryptocurrency in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries
The GCC states are, to varying degrees, opening up to digital finance. This is part of an effort to diversify their economies and wean themselves off U.S.-dominated monetary systems.
Ala’a Kolkaila
Research
Civic Activism in an Intensifying Climate Crisis
To address the deepening climate crisis, climate activism is employing a wider variety of tactics and aiming at a broader set of goals. In response, the movement faces stronger repression and civic backlash against climate action.
Erin Jones, Richard Youngs
Commentary
Sada
Tunisian Trade Union Women: Agents of Change
As members, organizers, and leaders, women continue to play an important role in the General Union of Tunisian Workers and advance its political advocacy.

Heba F El-Shazli

More Work from Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center

Commentary

Diwan

Exporting Fossil Fuels Through Cloud Computing

The GCC states’ use of Artificial Intelligence will generate much leverage over the global digital infrastructure and climate talks.

Camille Ammoun

Commentary

Diwan

The Promise and Risks of Artificial Intelligence

Uneven investment in the technology will widen regional inequalities in the Middle East and North Africa.

Nur Arafeh

People attend a conference during the Token2049 conference in Dubai on April 30, 2025. (

Article

The Future of Cryptocurrency in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries

The GCC states are, to varying degrees, opening up to digital finance. This is part of an effort to diversify their economies and wean themselves off U.S.-dominated monetary systems.

Ala’a Kolkaila

Civic Activisim in an Intensifying Climate Crisis

Research

Civic Activism in an Intensifying Climate Crisis

To address the deepening climate crisis, climate activism is employing a wider variety of tactics and aiming at a broader set of goals. In response, the movement faces stronger repression and civic backlash against climate action.

Erin Jones, Richard Youngs

Commentary

Sada

Tunisian Trade Union Women: Agents of Change

As members, organizers, and leaders, women continue to play an important role in the General Union of Tunisian Workers and advance its political advocacy.

Heba F El-Shazli