AI Research Cluster in Political Science Laboratory

This is a broad introduction to contemporary issues, actors, theories, debates, and major scholarly traditions in the study of AI in politics. The course introduces the foundational assumptions, methods, and scope of AI in politics as defined by a variety of perspectives and approaches. In doing so the course guides the students to core concepts necessary for understanding how AI is playing an increasingly important role in the world. The course specifically analyzes the impact of AI on knowledge production and dissemination, evaluates the ethical implications of AI in political decision-making, investigates the role of AI in shaping political discourse and public opinion, explores the epistemological challenges posed by AI-generated knowledge, and develops critical thinking and research skills in the context of AI and politics.

Networks are ubiquitous in politics. Countries are linked in trade and alliance networks. Legislators are tied in co-sponsorship networks. Rebel groups are connected in information networks. In this class, we will not only study the theory underlying these networks, but we will also analyze them. In so doing, we will learn to apply the multi-disciplinary field of network analysis to important political science applications.