Technology and Democracy: Essential Reads for Summer 2025
As technology and democracy intersect in unprecedented ways, understanding their evolving relationship is critical. The 2024 election cycle exposed both the fragility and resilience of democratic institutions worldwide, while rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) continue to transform social, economic, environmental, and geopolitical landscapes. To explore these important themes, the Ash Center’s Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation and the GETTING-Plurality Research Network have curated a timely summer reading list. This collection of books, essays, reports, and videos offers a multidisciplinary perspective on the challenges and opportunities technology presents to democratic governance.
The Current Moment: Technology and Democracy at a Crossroads
The curated reading list aims to highlight the urgency of current developments at the intersection of technology and democracy. It spans multiple disciplines, including philosophy, political theory, law, ethics, and policy, to foster a broad understanding of how technology shapes our democratic lives. The selections both warn about the threats posed by unchecked technological power and artificial intelligence and propose innovative ideas for safeguarding democratic values in the digital age.
Recommended Books
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Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman’s OpenAI by Karen Hao
Hao explores AI companies’ pursuit of artificial general intelligence, a form of AI with human-like intelligence, and critiques the emerging “modern-day colonial world order” these companies may be establishing. -
The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley by Marietje Schaake
Schaake highlights how dominant technology firms undermine democracy and outlines potential solutions. An online book talk with the author is available for further engagement. -
Tech Agnostic: How Technology Became the World’s Most Powerful Religion, and Why It Desperately Needs a Reformation by Greg M. Epstein
Epstein challenges society’s uncritical worship of technology and calls for a more discerning approach to innovation. -
The Right to Oblivion: Privacy and the Good Life by Lowry Pressly
Pressly emphasizes the essential role of privacy in human life and its protection as a cornerstone of humanity. -
Algorithms for the People: Democracy in the Age of AI by Josh Simons
Simons argues that AI’s impact on democracy depends on human choices related to its design, use, and regulation, underscoring the importance of deliberate governance.
Noteworthy Articles and Essays
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Political Economy of AI Essay Collection
A series by leading scholars raising critical questions about power, governance, and democracy in the tech era. -
The National Security Case for Public AI by Ganesh Sitaraman and Alex Pascal
Advocates for publicly accessible AI and utility-style regulation as means to enhance national security and public interest. -
Oligarchy, State, and Cryptopia by Julie E. Cohen
Examines how powerful tech oligarchs are reshaping institutions and threatening democratic norms. -
Prosocial Media by Glen Weyl et al.
Proposes redesigning social media platforms to promote social connection and mitigate division. -
Note on the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence (Roman Curia, Vatican)
Presents an ethical framework emphasizing human dignity and moral responsibility in AI’s development and use. -
Deliberative Approaches to Inclusive Governance: An Essay Series
Discusses how deliberative processes and civic technology can strengthen democratic legitimacy. -
The Digitalist Papers
Features varied authors exploring AI’s transformative impact and envisioning future possibilities.
Engaging Videos and Events
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Danielle Allen at the Paris AI Action Summit
Allen critiques the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as embodying an extreme ideological vision defining technology’s global role. -
Building a Digital Democracy
A forum hosted by Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics featuring leaders like Audrey Tang and Megan Smith discussing technology’s role in political transformation.
Additional Resources and Updates
The Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation continues to provide insights on diverse topics related to democratic governance and innovation:
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A comprehensive reading list prepared for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, reflecting on democratic ideals.
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Reports on experiential civic learning effectiveness to deepen civic engagement.
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Legislative efforts like the bipartisan Utah Digital Choice Act, aiming to reform social media by enhancing user control and promoting innovation.
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Commentary on data security and governance, including cybersecurity expert Bruce Schneier’s congressional testimony concerning federal data handling practices.
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Policy briefs commenting on national AI research and development strategies.
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Discussions on democratic preferences of legislators in the U.S. and Germany, enriching understanding of governance paradigms.
About the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation
Based at Harvard Kennedy School, the Ash Center fosters ideas and practices supporting equal, inclusive, multiracial, and multiethnic democracy and self-government. Its initiatives connect scholarship, policy, and civic practice to uphold democratic integrity in an era of rapid technological change.
For more information and to explore the full reading list alongside related resources, visit the Ash Center’s website. Stay informed and engaged with the ongoing dialogue about technology’s role in shaping the future of democracy.
Contact and newsletter subscription options are available at the Ash Center homepage.
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