AI's Impact on Democracy, Education, and Public Life

• Featuring SNF Agora Senior Fellow and Professor of Practice Yascha Mounk 
• Presented by Hopkins at Home and The SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University 

Artificial intelligence is reshaping fundamental institutions—from college classrooms to government bureaucracies. In higher education, AI tools now handle assignments that have long been central to student learning, raising questions about what universities should teach when machines can generate competent academic work. In the public sphere, AI promises both improved government services and new tools for disrupting civic processes—an arms race whose outcome remains uncertain.  

Building on SNF Agora’s February 2026 debate on AI and the future of work, Yascha will share his insights on how AI is transforming both how we educate future citizens and how democratic institutions function. Rather than treating these as separate challenges, he’ll  explore their fundamental connections to what undergirds who we are and how we can govern ourselves. What capacities do students need to be democratic citizens in an AI-driven world? What does this mean for the future of democratic processes? And which of the existential threats of AI might turn out to be our biggest hope? Listen to Yascha’s recent podcast on the way AI is changing politics and learn what he thinks about how colleges are surrendering to AI.  Moderated by SNF Agora Assistant Director Mary Bruce.  Presented by Hopkins at Home and The SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University.

Disclaimer: The perspectives and opinions expressed by the speaker(s) during this program are those of the speaker(s) and not, necessarily, those of Johns Hopkins University and the scheduling of any speaker at an alumni event or program does not constitute the University’s endorsement of the speaker’s perspectives and opinions. Speakers are participating in this panel in their personal capacities and not on behalf of any branch of local, state, or federal government.
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