Direct democracy and AI as a way to revitalize the health of the Federal Commonwealth

Abstract

Democracy stands as the cornerstone of our modern world and current achievements; however, its present foundation was laid mainly in the 18th century, a time marked by slavery, widespread conflicts, imperialism, significant illiteracy, lack of advanced technologies, etc. While the global landscape has evolved, democratic institutions have not progressed simultaneously. Integrating artificial intelligence into our lives, alongside the practical implementation of direct democracy, provides a glimpse of potential enhancements that might propel us to a new level of governance—a vision articulated by A. Toffler and other thinkers. These enhancements could significantly boost societal knowledge, bringing us closer to the emergence of a knowledge society both chronologically and conceptually. On the other hand, AI systems pose risks to democracy, including limiting our free will and creating digital slavery. The trajectory of our progress depends on the decisions we make today. These issues are the focus of the paper’s comprehensive and pragmatic analysis.