Who controls the future of AI? Explore the politics, power and global inequalities behind artificial intelligence and debate what’s at stake for democracy, human rights and society in a rapidly changing world.
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This course takes a critical look at the global politics of artificial intelligence. We will explore who shapes the development and deployment of AI, how data and automation reinforce or challenge inequalities and what’s at stake for democracy, human rights and the future of work. Through case studies and debate, we will examine the geopolitics of data, governance and power in the age of AI.
What will we cover?
• Who controls AI? Key actors, interests and global power dynamics
• The geopolitics of data: surveillance, sovereignty and digital colonialism
• AI governance: regulation, ethics and accountability
• Global inequalities in access, influence and impact
• The role of automation in shaping economies and societies
• Debates on democracy, human rights and the future of political participation
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Identify key players and interests in the global AI landscape
• Analyse how AI and data shape power relations and inequalities
• Reflect on the ethical and political challenges of AI governance
• Engage in informed debate about the future of democracy and rights in an AI-driven world
• Critically assess the impact of automation on societies and economies
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.
However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This is a discussion-based course with case studies, group activities and reflective exercises. You may be encouraged to read short articles or bring examples from current events for discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs. You may wish to bring a notebook or device for note-taking and reflection.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HPC195 Neurodiversity and the Future of Work: A Policy Perspective
Vina Theodorakopoulou is a passionate advocate at the intersection of technology, business and society. With a rich background including a PhD in behavioural economics and over 25 years in financial and professional services, she wears many hats: social entrepreneur, podcaster, multilingual educator and dedicated teacher at CityLit. Vina believes in shaping today’s workplace while paving the way for tomorrow’s. Her active allyship for accessible digital skills, financial literacy and lifelong learning fosters belonging and fuels collective progress. At CityLit, she teaches a range of thought-provoking subjects including Ethics in AI, Philosophy & Societal Purpose, History of Global Capitalism, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies, Sustainability, as well as Modern Languages, encouraging learners to embrace communication as a tool for empowerment and cross-cultural connection. Beyond the classroom, Vina writes thought leadership articles exploring neurodiversity, the future of work, and the strength of individual purpose. In her spare time, she teaches dance and coaches Kids First rugby, embodying a values-driven life of polymathy, energy and community.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/ai-power-and-politics-who-controls-the-future2980007AI, Power and Politics: Who Controls the Future?https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/https://www.citylit.ac.uk/static/version1765367640/frontend/WilliamsCommerce/citylit/en_GB/Magento_Catalog/images/product/placeholder/image.jpg129129GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Global & regional politics/Courses/vm/Issues Facing Our World22851177167713542170012285117716771653<p>Who controls the future of AI? Explore the politics, power and global inequalities behind artificial intelligence and debate what’s at stake for democracy, human rights and society in a rapidly changing world.</p>002979965AI, Power and Politics: Who Controls the Future?129129https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/no_selectionInStockEveningWedOnlineAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-01-28T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJan 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC243129129AI, Power and Politics: Who Controls the Future?12984129Vina Theodorakopoulouai-power-and-politics-who-controls-the-future/hpc243-2526<p>Who controls the future of AI? Explore the politics, power and global inequalities behind artificial intelligence and debate what’s at stake for democracy, human rights and society in a rapidly changing world.</p>0000-Available|2026-01-28 00:00:00<p>This course takes a critical look at the global politics of artificial intelligence. We will explore who shapes the development and deployment of AI, how data and automation reinforce or challenge inequalities and what’s at stake for democracy, human rights and the future of work. Through case studies and debate, we will examine the geopolitics of data, governance and power in the age of AI.</p><p>Who controls the future of AI? Explore the politics, power and global inequalities behind artificial intelligence and debate what’s at stake for democracy, human rights and society in a rapidly changing world.</p><p>• Who controls AI? Key actors, interests and global power dynamics</p><p>• The geopolitics of data: surveillance, sovereignty and digital colonialism</p><p>• AI governance: regulation, ethics and accountability</p><p>• Global inequalities in access, influence and impact</p><p>• The role of automation in shaping economies and societies</p><p>• Debates on democracy, human rights and the future of political participation</p><p>• Identify key players and interests in the global AI landscape</p><p>• Analyse how AI and data shape power relations and inequalities</p><p>• Reflect on the ethical and political challenges of AI governance</p><p>• Engage in informed debate about the future of democracy and rights in an AI-driven world</p><p>• Critically assess the impact of automation on societies and economies</p><p>This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.</p><p>However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.</p><p>Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.</p><p>This is a discussion-based course with case studies, group activities and reflective exercises. You may be encouraged to read short articles or bring examples from current events for discussion.</p><p>There are no additional costs. You may wish to bring a notebook or device for note-taking and reflection.</p><ul><li>HPC195 Neurodiversity and the Future of Work: A Policy Perspective</li><li>HPC242 Creating a sustainable tomorrow</li></ul>Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsvirtual2980208AI, Power and Politics: Who Controls the Future?6969https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/no_selectionInStockDaytimeSunKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-05-31T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allMay 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC2416969AI, Power and Politics: Who Controls the Future?554569Vina Theodorakopoulouai-power-and-politics-who-controls-the-future/hpc241-2526<p>Who controls the future of AI? Explore the politics, power and global inequalities behind artificial intelligence and debate what’s at stake for democracy, human rights and society in a rapidly changing world.</p>0000-Available|2026-05-31 00:00:00<p>This course takes a critical look at the global politics of artificial intelligence. We will explore who shapes the development and deployment of AI, how data and automation reinforce or challenge inequalities and what’s at stake for democracy, human rights and the future of work. Through case studies and debate, we will examine the geopolitics of data, governance and power in the age of AI.</p><p>Who controls the future of AI? Explore the politics, power and global inequalities behind artificial intelligence and debate what’s at stake for democracy, human rights and society in a rapidly changing world.</p><p>• Who controls AI? Key actors, interests and global power dynamics</p><p>• The geopolitics of data: surveillance, sovereignty and digital colonialism</p><p>• AI governance: regulation, ethics and accountability</p><p>• Global inequalities in access, influence and impact</p><p>• The role of automation in shaping economies and societies</p><p>• Debates on democracy, human rights and the future of political participation</p><p>• Identify key players and interests in the global AI landscape</p><p>• Analyse how AI and data shape power relations and inequalities</p><p>• Reflect on the ethical and political challenges of AI governance</p><p>• Engage in informed debate about the future of democracy and rights in an AI-driven world</p><p>• Critically assess the impact of automation on societies and economies</p><p>This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.</p><p>However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.</p><p>Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.</p><p>This is a discussion-based course with case studies, group activities and reflective exercises. You may be encouraged to read short articles or bring examples from current events for discussion.</p><p>There are no additional costs. You may wish to bring a notebook or device for note-taking and reflection.</p><ul><li>HPC195 Neurodiversity and the Future of Work: A Policy Perspective</li><li>HPC242 Creating a sustainable tomorrow</li></ul>Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsvirtual129,55129,6984,45HPC243,HPC241NONEWed,Sun28/01/26 - 18/02/2619:30 - 21:3019:3021:304 sessions (over 4 weeks)41 to 4 weeks,One-off onlyWeekday,WeekendOnlineOnline,Keeley StreetVina TheodorakopoulouBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-01-28T00:00:00+00:00,2026-05-31T00:00:00+00:00Evening,DaytimeJan 2026,May 2026Culture, history & humanities69129,69AI, Power and Politics: Who Controls the Future?ai-power-and-politics-who-controls-the-future/hpc243-2526,ai-power-and-politics-who-controls-the-future/hpc241-2526<p>Who controls the future of AI? Explore the politics, power and global inequalities behind artificial intelligence and debate what’s at stake for democracy, human rights and society in a rapidly changing world.</p>0000-Available|2026-01-28 00:00:00<p>This course takes a critical look at the global politics of artificial intelligence. We will explore who shapes the development and deployment of AI, how data and automation reinforce or challenge inequalities and what’s at stake for democracy, human rights and the future of work. Through case studies and debate, we will examine the geopolitics of data, governance and power in the age of AI.</p><p>Who controls the future of AI? Explore the politics, power and global inequalities behind artificial intelligence and debate what’s at stake for democracy, human rights and society in a rapidly changing world.</p><p>• Who controls AI? Key actors, interests and global power dynamics</p><p>• The geopolitics of data: surveillance, sovereignty and digital colonialism</p><p>• AI governance: regulation, ethics and accountability</p><p>• Global inequalities in access, influence and impact</p><p>• The role of automation in shaping economies and societies</p><p>• Debates on democracy, human rights and the future of political participation</p><p>• Identify key players and interests in the global AI landscape</p><p>• Analyse how AI and data shape power relations and inequalities</p><p>• Reflect on the ethical and political challenges of AI governance</p><p>• Engage in informed debate about the future of democracy and rights in an AI-driven world</p><p>• Critically assess the impact of automation on societies and economies</p><p>This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.</p><p>However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.</p><p>Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.</p><p>This is a discussion-based course with case studies, group activities and reflective exercises. You may be encouraged to read short articles or bring examples from current events for discussion.</p><p>There are no additional costs. You may wish to bring a notebook or device for note-taking and reflection.</p><ul><li>HPC195 Neurodiversity and the Future of Work: A Policy Perspective</li><li>HPC242 Creating a sustainable tomorrow</li></ul>Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsconfigurable
