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Global Political Economy of AI

The Global Political Economy of AI

March 27-28, 2026 | Yale Law School

How is the widespread adoption of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) shaping politics, and how are political actors responding on a global scale? In the past decade, critics have pointed to social media's facilitation of election interference, health misinformation, and even incitement to genocide. The rapid rollout of genAI in the last few years presents a new set of questions. What does it mean that a few large corporations shape this technology, and what are the likely effects on politics and self-government? How are interest groups perceiving and responding to these problems? What might an effective legal response to what are fundamentally transnational issues look like?

This two-day, in-person conference brings together scholars, computer scientists, historians, journalists, and activists to consider these and other questions about genAI across a range of different topics, including electoral systems, civil liberties, international human rights, environmental protection, and the future of work. Organized by the& Information Society Project and co-sponsored by Law and Political Economy (LPE) at Yale.

Registration

Register online for the conference. Space is limited. Pre-circulated papers will be shared with registered participants beginning March 13.

Questions? Contact Mikey McGovern or Heather Branch

Panels

1 | Work & Labor

2 | Creativity & Ownership

3 | Knowledge & Education

4 | Security & Surveillance

5 | Democracy & Nondomination

6 | Climate & Community

ScheduleFriday, March 27

8:30 amRegistration and breakfast45 minSLB 122 + Dining Hall
9:15 amWelcome/Opening Remarks15 minSLB 129
9:30 amPanel 1: Work & Labor90 minSLB 129
11:00 amCoffee Break15 minSLB 122
11:15 amPanel 2: Creativity & Ownership105 minSLB 129
1:00 pmLunch75 minDining Hall
2:15 pmPanel 3: Knowledge & Education90 minSLB 129
3:45 pmCoffee Break15 minSLB 122
4:00 pmPanel 4: Security & Surveillance90 minSLB 129
5:30 pmBreak for dinner  
    

Saturday, March 28

9:00 amBreakfast30 minDining Hall
9:30 amPanel 5: Democracy & Nondomination90 minSLB 129
11:00 amCoffee Break15 minSLB 122
11:15 amPanel 6: Climate & Community90 minSLB 129
12:45 pmGrab boxed lunch15 minDining Hall
1:00 pmWrap-Up Conversation60 minSLB 129