AI in Political Communication: The Strategic Role of Artificial Intelligence in China’s Authoritarian Governance

Abstract

In totalitarian countries like China, powerful social monitoring technologies and AI play a crucial role in political communication. This study analyzes the Chinese government's use of AI technologies, including facial recognition and big data analytics, to monitor civilians closely. The focus is on AI systems such as surveillance tools and the chatbot Xue Xi, which disseminates political narratives and manages information flow. While these technologies enhance state efficiency, they raise significant concerns regarding human rights violations and restrictions on free speech. This research addresses the critical question of how AI influences authoritarian governance in China, demonstrating through case studies how these tools consolidate governmental authority and threaten individual liberties. The integration of AI into China’s governance framework poses risks to civil liberties domestically and impacts global power dynamics. The study emphasizes the need for ongoing evaluation of AI's effects on democratic principles and human rights worldwide, recommending international collaboration to address AI governance concerns.