AI and Electoral Campaigns

EXAMINING THE NEW DANGERS AI POSES TO DEMOCRACY AND ELECTORAL INTEGRITY AI and Electoral Campaigns provides an in-depth exploration of the transformative role artificial intelligence plays in democratic processes and political communication around the world. Drawing on case studies from countries across the globe—including the United States, India, and Argentina—a team of leading scholars offers a global analysis of the new vulnerabilities and systemic risks AI introduces to democratic processes, ranging from deepfakes and disinformation to algorithmic manipulation and digital polarization. Through a clear, structured framework, the authors analyze a variety of AI-driven risks, address their ethical and legal implications for political communication, classify AI-related threats, and discuss approaches for mitigating their impact. In-depth chapters move from the historical evolution of campaign strategies, to a detailed examination of informational dysfunctions, to the regulatory responses being shaped by governments and institutions worldwide. A critical resource for understanding how AI intersects with the political landscape in an era of digital transformation, AI and Electoral Campaigns is required reading for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in courses such as Political Communication, Media Law, AI and Society, and Electoral Systems. It is also a key reference for researchers, electoral regulators, policymakers, and legal practitioners. 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.