Young EU Citizens’ Perception of Democracy and European Security in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Global Threats

Abstract

The essence of a democratic system lies primarily in active citizens who give mandates to politicians they trust. This does not absolve citizens of their responsibility for the state, as democracy and freedom must be nurtures to be enjoyed in the future, Meanwhile, with each passing decade since the political transformation in Central and Eastern Europe and so called ‘Big Bang’ enlargement of the European Union in 2004, it seems that citizens’ vigilance in this regard is weakening and more and more problems are emerging. Low voter turnout, the erosion of democratic values, citizens’ distrust of their voting power, a lack of political culture, and the rivalry between national and EU interests are just some of the issues that are increasingly discussed in public discourse. Added to this is a controversial new phenomenon that is increasingly impacting our private and social lives – the artificial intelligence revolution. In the background, war on the EU’s eastern border, instable transatlantic relations under Trump’s Administration and intensified nationalist and right-wing movements. This article attempts to answer the questions: what is the true condition of democracy in the EU during this difficult time, as perceived by young citizens, in whose hands rests the future of both the EU and democracy itself ? Do the language we use, and artificial intelligence technology influence the form and essence of democracy? What steps, if any, are being taken to prevent humans from single-handedly destroying democracy, international relations, freedom, and the human element in politics through AI?