Trends in Political Science Research: Artificial Intelligence and Voter Disinformation

The rise of AI-driven voter disinformation and its impact on democracies is increasingly concerning. The existing literature raises serious concerns that extend beyond the scope of elections to include the broader impacts of AI misuse on democratic systems. This article will discuss the issues within the international context of global power competition in a polarized world marked by confrontation between democracies and authoritarian regimes. Central to this discussion is the tension between two paradigms: global governance, which promotes collaboration and shared responsibility, and global power competition, where AI is weaponized for cognitive warfare and disinformation campaigns to assert dominance and undermine adversaries, particularly democracies, in international politics. Further research is needed to reconcile the tension between global AI governance and the pursuit of dominance among major powers.