Large Language Models in Politics and Democracy: A Comprehensive Survey

TL;DR

This survey examining Large Language Models in politics and democracy surveys applications across policymaking, communication, analysis, diplomacy, and legal domains, highlighting both opportunities for efficiency, inclusivity, and informed decision-making and risks from bias, transparency, and accountability gaps. It synthesizes evidence from document classification, policy drafting, simulation, and governance studies to map practical benefits and ethical concerns. The work contributes a structured view of where LLMs can augment political processes and what safeguards are required to prevent misuse or harm. The findings underscore the need for responsible development, governance frameworks, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to ensure AI-enabled politics supports democratic values and equitable participation.

Abstract

The advancement of generative AI, particularly large language models (LLMs), has a significant impact on politics and democracy, offering potential across various domains, including policymaking, political communication, analysis, and governance. This paper surveys the recent and potential applications of LLMs in politics, examining both their promises and the associated challenges. This paper examines the ways in which LLMs are being employed in legislative processes, political communication, and political analysis. Moreover, we investigate the potential of LLMs in diplomatic and national security contexts, economic and social modeling, and legal applications. While LLMs offer opportunities to enhance efficiency, inclusivity, and decision-making in political processes, they also present challenges related to bias, transparency, and accountability. The paper underscores the necessity for responsible development, ethical considerations, and governance frameworks to ensure that the integration of LLMs into politics aligns with democratic values and promotes a more just and equitable society.