Full Description
Offers a groundbreaking analysis of how artificial intelligence is reshaping the dynamics of political communication and electoral competition
AI and Electoral Campaigns delivers a timely, in-depth exploration of how artificial intelligence is disrupting the foundational processes of electoral democracy. As AI technologies increasingly shape political communication, this much-needed book equips readers to identify and critically assess the emerging threats to transparency, fairness, and legitimacy in democratic elections. Drawing on real-world cases from across the globe—including Argentina, India, the U.S., and Slovakia—the authors present an empirically grounded taxonomy of AI-related threats, including deepfakes, firehosing, cognitive hacking, astroturfing, and psychographic microtargeting.
AI and Electoral Campaigns fills a critical gap in the literature by addressing not only the political and communicative dimensions of AI's role in elections, but also its legal and ethical implications. The authors propose a clear framework to evaluate the impact of AI through principles-based analysis and present comparative insights into the regulatory responses emerging in diverse jurisdictions. With a structured approach that spans historical context, threat classification, ethical considerations, and legal strategies, the book focuses on the systemic challenges AI poses to electoral integrity.
A foundational guide for navigating the next phase of democratic resilience in the digital age, AI and Electoral Campaigns:
Offers a global analysis of the new vulnerabilities and systemic risks AI introduces to democratic processes
Features technical, legal, and practical insights from experts with frontline electoral policy experience
Addresses the role of electoral management bodies (EMBs) in countering AI-driven disinformation
Includes an in-depth review of current legislative and regulatory responses from different jurisdictions
Highlights underexplored "cyberpathologies" in political discourse shaped by AI technologies
AI and Electoral Campaigns is essential reading for postgraduate and advanced undergraduate students enrolled in courses such as Political Communication, Media Law, AI and Society, and Electoral Law. It is suitable for degree programs in Political Science, Communication Studies, Law, and Public Policy, and also serves as a key reference for electoral officials, policy makers, and legal practitioners.
Contents
About the authors
Prologue
Acknowledgement
Introduction
1.High-Risk Elections in a New Sociopolitical Environment
1.1 From Analog Campaigns to Technopolitics: the Era of High-Risk Elections
1.1.1 Premodern Campaigns
1.1.2 Modern Campaigns
1.1.3 Postmodern Campaigns
1.2 Digital Elections: a New Era for Election Campaigns
1.2.1 Algorithmic Communication
1.3 Electoral Rights and Artificial Intelligence
1.4 The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Conscious Voting Decisions
1.4.1 Conscious Voting and the Cognitive Wars
1.4.2 The Need for an Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Campaigning
2. Uses of artificial intelligence in campaigns: informational dysfunctions in political communication
2.1 Artificial Intelligence at the Service of Democracy
2.2 Artificial Intelligence at odds with Democracy
2.2.1 Disinformation and the Manipulation of Reality
2.2.2 Fragmentation, Polarization, Destabilization and Instigation of Conflict
2.2.3 The Rupture of Equity and Neutrality in Communication
2.2.4 Harrassment, discrimination and political violence
2.2.5 Cognitive hacking
2.2.6 The Dispersion of Control
3. THE REGULATORY RESPONSE
3.1 Preliminary Responses
3.1.1 The First Regulations
3.1.2 Self-regulation
3.2 The Response of Electoral Bodies (Brazil)
3.2.1 Authorization to Use AI 27
3.2.2 Prohibitions on the Electoral Use of Artificial Intelligence
3.2.3 The Platforms' Obligations
3.2.4 Types of Behavior Targeted by Regulation
3.2.5 Effects on Freedom of Expression
3.2.6 Transparency and Data Protection
3.3 A Global, Comprehensive and Necessary Response
3.3.1 First global responses 62
3.3.2 The Foundations of Regulation
3.3.3 The Central Role of Electoral Bodies
Bibliography
