UCL Political Science Events

Democracy In The Age Of Artificial Intelligence

Episode Summary

Recorded in February 2026, this Policy and Practice Seminar examines how the rapid rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping governance, democracy, and the relationship between citizens and the state. It explores key questions around AI’s role in policymaking, the risks posed by deepfakes and data exploitation, and how democratic institutions can effectively regulate powerful technology companies. The discussion also considers who should set the rules for AI development and deployment in an increasingly digital political landscape. Speakers include Claudia Chwalisz, Elizabeth Seger, Melanie Smallman, with chair Jeffrey Howard.

Episode Notes

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming how governments govern and how citizens engage with the state, with far-reaching consequences for democratic processes and institutions. From the growing use of AI in policymaking in the name of efficiency, to the impact of deepfakes on election campaigns, to the use of AI by private companies eager to harvest consumers’ personal data, these technologies have quickly become embedded in everyday life. 

How is the expanding use of AI reshaping the relationship between citizens and the state? Who should set the rules governing the development and deployment of AI, and how can democratic institutions effectively regulate tech giants? Our panel of experts will explore these critical questions. 

Meet the speakers

• Claudia Chwalisz is the Founder and CEO of Democracy Next, an international research and action institute focused on scaling high quality, empowered, and permanent citizens’ assemblies. She also co-leads the Tech-Enhanced Deliberative Assembly pop-up lab with the MIT Center for Constructive Communication where she explores ways to use new technologies, such as AI, to improve the citizens’ assembly process. Prior to this, Chwalisz established and led the OECD’s work on innovative citizen participation, creating the Deliberative Democracy Toolbox. 
• Dr. Elizabeth Seger is the Director of Digital Policy at Demos, a London based thinktank where we strive to build bridges between politicians, technical experts, and citizens to make sure technology works for and with people. She was previously a researcher with Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) in Oxford, and am an affiliate of the AI: Futures and Responsibility Project (AI:FAR) at the University of Cambridge. 
• Dr. Melanie Smallman is a Professor of Science and Technology Studies at the UCL Department of Science and Technology Studies. Her research looks at the role of science and innovation (particularly data-technologies and AI) in increasing inequality, and how the social impacts of these technologies can be included in ethical and policy considerations. 
• Chair: Prof Jeffrey Howard is a philosopher at University College London, where he is Professor of Political Philosophy & Public Policy and the founding Director of the Digital Speech Lab. He was recently appointed to the Online Information Advisory Committee for the UK Office of Communications (Ofcom), which advises on mis- and disinformation challenges in relation to the Online Safety Act. 

Recorded 26 Feb 2026 and co-organised with the UCL Constitution Unit.