Join us for thought-provoking webinars on generative AI, geopolitics and democratic resilience

The SOLARIS project team is pleased to invite policymakers, academics, students and anyone interested in the profound societal impact of emerging technologies to attend two upcoming webinars on generative AI. As part of the SOLARIS project’s ongoing research into the socio-political impacts of generative AI, these events will explore how these technologies are shaping our current geopolitical landscape and how we might strengthen European democracies in the face of such challenges.

The webinars, to be held on 23 October and 30 October 2024, will feature a series of expert-led presentations and panel discussions on the disruptive potential of generative AI technologies. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage with leading voices from academia, security policy, and political science.

Webinar 1: Generative AI and Geopolitical Disruption 

Date: 23 October 2024, 11:00 – 13:00 CEST

The first webinar will delve into the disruptive impact of generative AI on international relations and geopolitical dynamics. With states competing for technological and economic dominance in a new AI race, this session will examine how AI is reshaping power structures and influencing global cooperation.

Key Highlights:

Keynote speech: Redefining Diplomacy with AI by Corneliu Bjola, Professor of Digital Diplomacy at the Oxford Internet Institute.

Spotlight on SOLARIS: A cross-legal approach to mitigating AI disruption through legal frameworks and international standards, as presented by SOLARIS project members Antonio Estella and Maria Dolores Sanchez Galera (Carlos III University, Madrid).

Panel Discussion: Featuring Peter Pijpers (Netherlands Defence Academy), Michael Zinkanell (Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy), and Gregory Smith (RAND Corporation) among others, exploring topics like AI governance, cybersecurity policy, and the changing role of Europe in the wake of the AI Ac.

The event will provide a comprehensive look at strategies for fostering transnational cooperation, addressing cybersecurity challenges, and developing ethical AI frameworks. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in Q&A sessions with experts throughout the event.

Webinar 2: Generative AI and Democratic Resilience in Europe

Date: 30 October 2024, 11:00 – 13:00 CEST

The second webinar will address the growing concern over the role of AI-driven disinformation and its potential to destabilize European democracies. With the rise of AI-generated media and electoral interference, experts will discuss strategies for safeguarding democratic processes and promoting media literacy.

Key Highlights:

Keynote speech: Generative AI and Democracy by Andreas Jungherr, Professor of Political Science at the University of Bamberg

Spotlight on SOLARIS: Addressing the democratic impact of AI and promoting political engagement through SOLARIS project use cases presented by journalist Alessio Jacona (Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata).

Panel Discussion: Featuring Mariëlle Wijermars (Maastricht University), Maximilian Conrad (University of Iceland), Joshua Glick (Bard College) and Paula Gürtler (Centre for European Policy Studies) among others, focusing on media literacy, platform governance, and AI ethics.

This event will provide valuable insights into how European countries can build democratic resilience against the risks posed by AI, with discussions on platform regulation, media governance, and collaboration across the continent. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in Q&A sessions with experts throughout the event.

Join Us and Register Today!

These webinars represent a critical opportunity for policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and civil society to engage in discussions on the future of AI governance and its impact on global and democratic stability. Register now to participate in one or both of these important events. Registration link.

For more information on the SOLARIS project and the webinars, please visit the project website.