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AI, Power and Politics

Research project
Active research
Website
Project info Umeå University
Project period
2025 - 2030
Project owner
University of Gothenburg, Umeå University, Institute for Futures Studies, Stockholm University
Financier
WASP-HS
Area
Science and Information Technology Society and economy
Topic
Political Science Sociology Artificial Intelligence Information Systems, Social aspects Media and Communication Studies Science and Technology Studies

Short description

Artificial intelligence is transforming politics—from the circulation of information across media platforms to decision-making within institutions. The research cluster AI, Power, and Politics examines how artificial intelligence is reshaping democratic foundations such as truth, accountability, inclusion, and legitimacy. It also investigates how AI technologies are reconfiguring power relations, political communication, and systems of governance at both national and global levels. The cluster is grounded in an interdisciplinary collaboration that bridges the social sciences, humanities, and computing. Its studies address AI’s influence on information ecosystems, decision-making processes, and geopolitical dynamics.

Project description

Artificial intelligence is challenging established notions of how political power is exercised, how citizens engage, and how societies are governed. The research cluster AI, Power and Politics brings together scholars from sociology, political science, philosophy, media and information studies, and computer science to analyse the role of AI in contemporary democratic systems.

Funded by WASP-HS the research is structured around three thematic streams:

Information ecosystems and public discourse – examining how AI influences opinion formation, disinformation, and platform governance.

  • Democratic values and decision-making – focusing on legitimacy, accountability, and transparency in AI-driven governance systems.
  • Geopolitics and AI governance – exploring shifting power relations among states, corporations, and other actors in global AI development.

The project aims to establish a long-term, sustainable research environment and train a new generation of scholars. By combining qualitative and quantitative methods and collaborating with international partners and societal stakeholders, the cluster seeks to shape the future of democratic AI.

Partners

Simon Lindgren, https://www.umu.se/personal/simon-lindgren/
Eva Erman, https://www.iffs.se/forskning/forskare/eva-erman/
Jonas Tallberg, https://www.su.se/english/profiles/jtall-1.183532

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