Artificial intelligence as a factor in the transformation 
of political processes: opportunities and risks

Abstract

This article examines the main areas of artificial intelligence application in political life. It is noted that artificial intelligence is increasingly penetrating politics and public administration, creating a serious dilemma: on the one hand, it opens up enormous opportunities, but on the other, it also creates significant risks. The purpose of the study is to identify the areas of artificial intelligence application in political processes, the potential for its use in the political space, and the risks that may accompany the introduction of this technology into political processes. The article utilizes a combination of theoretical and empirical research methods. A systems approach was employed to analyze the specifics of artificial intelligence application in the political sphere, allowing for a comprehensive examination of the stated problem. The authors note that there is no unified approach to understanding the essence of AI in scientific discourse, with the most significant approaches being the theoretical-political, technological-managerial, and sociotechnical approaches. To study this issue, an expert interview guide was developed, which involved five experts specializing in artificial intelligence and its application in political life. One of the key advantages of integrating artificial intelligence technologies into political processes is the significant increase in the reliability of predictive analytics and scenario modeling of electoral behavior, as well as the dynamics of protest activity. Assistive electoral technologies are the most in-demand AI technologies. These include chatbots for observers and members of election commissions. Another important opportunity is the automation of routine administrative procedures and increased efficiency of public administration. Personalization of political communication and microtargeting are relevant political AI technologies. One of the most important prospects for using AI in political processes is also strengthening information security and countering disinformation and coordinated political information attacks. Despite the wide range of opportunities, significant risks associated with using AI in political processes are also highlighted: the lack of transparency of technologies, which undermines citizen trust, the risk of disinformation, and the erosion of political accountability mechanisms when delegating decisions to algorithmic systems. The theoretical significance of this article lies in its summary of approaches to the use of artificial intelligence in the political sphere and its identification of the main areas of application of this technology in the political life of our society. Its practical significance lies in its focus on addressing current challenges in public administration and the activities of political actors. The results of this work can be used in developing and improving the legal framework for regulating artificial intelligence, formulating strategies for the digital transformation of public administration, ensuring the state sovereignty of the Russian Federation in the face of growing geopolitical challenges, as well as in developing ethical standards for the use of digital technologies and the development of public oversight mechanisms.