Announcing the Launch of The Political Technologist
And our first featured Democratic AI event series
“We become what we behold. We shape our tools and then our tools shape us.”
- Father John Culkin on Marshall McLuhan, 1967
The intertwining nature of politics and digital technology has been key to social changes in the last few decades. The field of political technology is dedicated to studying the ecosystem of institutions (be they public, private, political, civic, activist, etc.) that make up our society, the communities surrounding them, and the digital infrastructures set up or deployed by them.
Naturally, there are two pathways of influence to investigate: How do digital technologies create, affect, disrupt, or destroy sociopolitical forces and institutions? How do institutions spur, stunt, or dictate the development of digital technologies?
The complex interaction between politics and digital technology is further complicated by the fast-paced progression of the two; new political twists and technological breakthroughs are always just a tweet away. Political technology is a rapidly moving field, leaving many little time to make sense of anything.
The Political Technologist is a multimedia publication that covers the latest developments and trends in the field of political technology, inviting the audience to collective sense-making with the editorial board as day-to-day events unfold in front of our eyes.
First, The Origin Story…
What do software engineers, social scientists, UX designers, activists, fundraisers, startup veterans, and graphic artists share in common?
Coming from 11 countries, speaking more than 15 languages, and pursuing a variety of careers, 15 individuals ended up at the doorstep of Newspeak House to become the 2024-25 cohort of fellowship candidates. While we came in all shapes and forms, we have two things in common: we all care something about digital technologies, and we deeply care about the society we live in and its politics.
When we began our journey to learn about political technology, we encountered hundreds of interesting people at interesting events, each harbouring their aspirations about what technology could be. The collision of these minds sparked conversations, new ideas, and, oftentimes, bursts of creativity.
How better can we handle these frequent explosions of creativity than to channel them into a publication? A few of us assembled to create The Political Technologist in an effort to share what we have learned and wish to learn and, furthermore, use it as a magnet to attract others who think similarly.
Second, The Publication Launch…
Technologies engender political dynamics; political dynamics shape technological developments. Standing behind this belief, the editorial board formally launches The Political Technologist with bi-weekly newsletters on Substack in January 2025.
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Through updates on events that happen in and around London, trendy topics on the digital and the political, short reflections by the editorial board, and career and research grant opportunities, The Political Technologist will bring you the latest news and tip you off about where to be to meet the lurking political technologists amongst us (watch out, they’re everywhere in and around London!).
To learn more about the type of content we cover or get in contact with the editorial board, please visit our About page.
Third, The Event Series…
The launch is not complete without some celebration, though. To fulfil the promise of bringing political technologists together both intellectually and physically, the editorial board is proud to announce The Political Technologist’s first event series on democratic AI.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly playing an important part in our sociopolitical life.
Some worry about the erosion of democracy as AI propagates disinformation and entraps citizens in epistemic bubbles; others are convinced of AI’s ability to facilitate direct democracy and make public deliberation more efficient.
In the Democratic AI event series, The Political Technologist guides the audience to explore how various AI tools can foster healthy democratic deliberation and collective decision-making.
In our very first event, we invited the mastermind behind Google DeepMind’s Habermas Machine, MH Tessler and Michiel Bakker, to deliver a workshop at Newspeak House on 18th January 2025.
Register now to save your place.
In this workshop, participants will hear from the creators of the Habermas Machine firsthand about the potential of large language models (LLMs) and AI tools in advancing civic engagement and social cohesion. Then, all attendees get to participate directly in a deliberation exercise facilitated by the Habermas Machine.
Whether you’re curious about AI’s role in democracy, enjoy collaborative discussion, or simply want to meet others passionate about democratic AI, this event offers a unique opportunity to get involved.
Can’t make this event? Don’t worry! Sign up to The Political Technologist newsletter to stay in touch for future events in the Democratic AI series.
Finally, written with love,
The editorial board of The Political Technologist wishes you a great year ahead.
For those who’d like to contribute guest pieces, please get in touch with us via direct messaging/chats on Substack or our email thepoliticaltechnologist@proton.me.