Navigating the Future of Governance: Announcing “Rewiring Democracy”
I’m excited to share news of my latest book, rewiring Democracy: How AI will Transform our politics, Goverment, and Citizenship, co-authored with Nathan sanders and published by MIT Press on October 21st. This project represents a deep dive into a critical topic – the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and the foundations of democratic society.
For years, discussions around AI and democracy have often centered on sensationalized threats like deepfakes. Rewiring Democracy moves beyond these anxieties to offer a nuanced examination of how AI technologies are already impacting - and will continue to reshape – five core areas: politics, legislation, government administration, the judicial system, and citizenship itself.
What to Expect from Rewiring Democracy
This isn’t a dystopian warning or a utopian promise. We aim to provide a realistic assessment, acknowledging both the potential benefits and risks. Here’s what you’ll find within its pages:
A broad Scope: We explore AI’s influence across the entire spectrum of democratic functions,from election campaigns to courtroom decisions.
Present & future Focus: While acknowledging current applications, we prioritize understanding the second-order effects of AI – the ripple effects that will shape our future.
Optimism grounded in Reality: We believe a constructive outlook is essential for proactively shaping the future. We don’t shy away from challenges, but emphasize the importance of envisioning positive outcomes. Addressing critical Issues: We tackle complex topics like AI-driven propaganda and the rise of artificial conversational agents.
The Case for Public AI: We advocate for the advancement of AI systems designed for the public good,rather than solely for corporate profit.
Writing this book during the 2024 US presidential campaign and the subsequent first months of a second Trump administration presented unique challenges. We strived to maintain objectivity, analyzing the broader implications without being overly focused on a single national context.
Where to Learn More & Order Your Copy
I’ve dedicated a page on my website to Rewiring Democracy, offering:
Publisher’s Summary
Table of Contents
Early Reader Blurbs
Links to Purchase – including signed copies directly from me.
Currently, I’m a visiting scholar at the Munk School at the University of Toronto. I will begin shipping signed copies promptly following the book’s release on October 22nd, with another shipping window opening on November 25th.
Help Spread the Word!
I believe Rewiring Democracy* has the potential to spark a vital conversation. Your support in sharing this announcement with your network would be greatly appreciated. Let’s work together to ensure this book reaches the audience it needs to reach.
Tags: books, deep, Rewiring Democracy, Schneier news
Posted on September 5, 2025 at 3:00 PM • 3 Comments