In a recent address at the Liberal convention, Prime Minister Mark Carney envisioned a future where artificial intelligence (AI) is harnessed to benefit all Canadians, rather than merely a select few. “Our goal is AI for all,” he stated, advocating for an AI landscape rooted in Canadian values, transparency, and accountability. Yet, as political theorist Hélène Landemore and democratic innovator Peter MacLeod argue, our existing political mechanisms might not be equipped to realise this ambitious vision.
A Call for Change in Political Engagement
Landemore, a Yale professor renowned for her work “Politics Without Politicians,” and MacLeod, author of “Democracy’s Second Act: Why Politics Needs The Public,” both contend that the current political framework has become disconnected from ordinary citizens. MacLeod points out that voter engagement is on the decline, and political parties appear weakened, with their membership numbers dwindling.
“Democracy is stuck,” MacLeod asserts, noting a pervasive sense of disillusionment in the electorate. Trust in government has fallen, and many citizens feel alienated from the decision-making processes that affect their lives.
Landemore echoes this sentiment, suggesting that the systemic issues stem from how legislators are selected, often favouring socio-economic elites. She proposes that a system based on sortition—where representatives are randomly selected from the population—could yield a legislature that better reflects the views and needs of the majority.
The Role of Citizens’ Assemblies
One of the primary avenues through which MacLeod has sought to revitalise democracy is through citizens’ assemblies. These assemblies function similarly to juries, inviting a random sample of citizens to deliberate on specific topics over several days. Participants engage with experts, listen to differing viewpoints, and work towards a consensus on the issues at hand.
MacLeod points out that, unlike traditional political debates, the goal in these assemblies is not to advocate for one’s own agenda but to forge common ground. This collaborative approach fosters an environment where participants begin to form meaningful connections—often described by Landemore as being filled with “love.”
Such assemblies can empower citizens, allowing them to feel valued and acknowledged. “Most people go through life without their employer caring what they like or want,” MacLeod explains. “When people realise they matter, it cultivates a sense of solidarity and self-worth.”
AI Governance and Democratic Legitimacy
As the complexities surrounding AI governance continue to challenge policymakers and technology leaders alike, Landemore and MacLeod argue that citizens’ assemblies could provide a viable solution. Landemore envisions assemblies tackling difficult questions surrounding AI’s impact on society, such as the environmental costs of increased technology use and the ethical implications of data privacy.
“What are you willing to pay in additional electricity costs or in depletion of natural resources for the convenience of using AI tools?” she asks, highlighting the trade-offs that citizens are equipped to navigate. By prioritising public interest over corporate profits, these assemblies could foster a more cautious approach to technological advancement.
MacLeod adds that citizen-led discussions would likely yield a focus on the social and environmental consequences of AI, rather than short-term business gains.
The Future of Deliberative Democracy
With the rise of AI, some fear that human deliberation could become obsolete, replaced by “synthetic publics” driven by algorithms. However, both MacLeod and Landemore reject this notion, emphasising the importance of human connection in democratic processes.
“Introducing robots into democracy will not create solidarity,” MacLeod warns. The essence of deliberation lies not only in the exchange of ideas but in the bonds formed through shared experiences and emotional connections. Automated systems lack the capacity to foster the kind of solidarity that is essential for a thriving democratic society.
Why it Matters
The conversation surrounding citizens’ assemblies as a remedy for political disenchantment highlights a critical juncture in Canadian democracy. As trust in traditional political structures wanes, the need for innovative approaches to governance becomes increasingly urgent. By placing ordinary citizens at the heart of decision-making, there is potential to create a more inclusive and responsive political landscape that aligns with the needs of all Canadians, ensuring that the benefits of AI—and other advancements—are shared equitably.
