Twelve essays. Nineteen authors. One overarching goal: Present an array of possible futures that the AI revolution might produce.
What would the Federalist Papers say if they were written in the 21st Century?
Inspired by the Federalist Papers, The Digitalist Papers series bridges domains and disciplines by assembling experts from multiple fields—including economics, law, technology, management, and political science—alongside industry and civil society leaders.
“Observing that AI could be used for good is like observing that bulldozers could be used to help build affordable public housing. It is possible, of course, but is it likely?”
Lawrence Lessig
“Protected Democracy”
“AI-enabled platforms can support the creation and sustenance of meaningful, place-based interactions and networks of support: a next leap forward in community building.”
Sarah Friar and Laura Bisesto
“The Potential for AI to Restore Local Community Connectedness, The Bedrock of a Healthy Democracy”
“Mandates and controls can only get us so far. But legislative and executive branch leaders can learn to operate in an enablement and capacity-building framework”
Jennifer Pahlka
“AI Meets the Cascade of Rigidity”
“We must tackle complex problems while also acknowledging what we do not yet know in the face of a new and advancing technology and its evolving uses.”
James Manyika
“Getting AI Right: A 2050 Thought Experiment”
Many ways to experience
The Digitalist Papers
Read essays online, on your smart device, or in paperback or hardcover
Praise for The Digitalist Papers
“The Digitalist Papers, Volume I, is an important collection of thought-provoking and deeply insightful explorations into how AI may reshape our democratic, social, and political institutions, how it may enable fresh approaches to governance, and why AI’s development and deployment needs to be guided by broadly shared values and principles. An essential, balanced assessment of the opportunities and risks.
Michael Spence
Recipient of the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, 2001
“With a nuanced analysis of AI’s potential effects on societal structures, this work is a key resource for those in technology exploring the broader implications for governance and democracy.”
Mira Murati
Chief Technology Officer, OpenAI
This terrific collection explores key considerations for using AI responsibly to complement and improve democratic institutions. The corpus does not have a definitive point of view, but, delightfully, offers leaders clear, diverse perspectives.
Jeff Wilke
Chairman, Re:Build Manufacturing and Former CEO of Worldwide Consumer, Amazon
