AI-Driven Disinformation and Democratic Backsliding: A Global Research Imperative

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 In recent years, democracy has faced unprecedented challenges globally due to the rise of disinformation, especially that enabled by artificial intelligence. Scholars are increasingly concerned that AI-generated fake news and deepfakes are not only distorting public discourse but also accelerating polarization and undermining trust in institutions. Research reveals that authoritarian regimes are using AI tools to engineer propaganda, while democratic societies struggle to regulate platforms that amplify misleading or false political content.

The phenomenon of democratic backsliding is tightly linked with the spread of digital misinformation. Where free press and civil liberties once held democratic actors accountable, now AI-enabled disinformation campaigns can silence dissent, promote conspiracy theories, and manipulate election outcomes. Comparative studies show that in many countries, digital media regulation has failed to keep pace with technological innovation, resulting in loopholes that malicious actors exploit.

For political science students and researchers, this creates urgent research questions: What legal frameworks can effectively mitigate AI-powered political manipulation? How does disinformation affect voter behavior and civic engagement? What role do international organizations have in setting norms around digital governance? Empirical, cross-national analyses are essential to map the trajectories of democratic decline and propose policy interventions.

If addressed systematically, research into AI governance, media regulation, and public trust can help shield democratic institutions from the destabilizing impact of digital disinformation. Understanding these dynamics is vital for safeguarding democracy in the 21st century.

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