Social Media, Technology and Peacebuilding Global Challenges to Democracy Policy Brief No.223
Policy Brief No. 223: Democracy in the Digital Age: Reclaiming Governance in an Algorithmic World
Jordan Ryan
May 28, 2025
Image: Skorzewiak/shutterstock.com
This policy brief argues that democratic governance must evolve as artificial intelligence becomes embedded in public life, often without transparency or public consent, and as the erosion of democratic processes directly threatens sustainable peace. Drawing on lessons from the 2025 UNDP Human Development Report and the 2024 UN Pact for the Future, this brief offers a framework for democratic digital governance that supports peacebuilding. It proposes five actions: establishing independent oversight bodies with enforcement powers; embedding civic participation in policymaking; expanding critical digital literacy; enforcing the Global Digital Compact; and protecting online civic space. With such measures, AI can enhance human agency, strengthen democratic institutions, and foster sustainable peace.