Artificial intelligence is transforming not only markets and technologies but also structures of state power. From automated administrative decisions to data-driven security management, algorithmic systems are increasingly intervening in political processes.
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In the first short talk of the series ‘Democracy between Freedom and Algorithms’, Genia Kostka talks to Katja Weber about the consequences of this development for liberal democracies. While authoritarian systems are deliberately using AI to stabilize political control, democratic societies are grappling with questions of transparency, accountability, and legitimacy.
Are we entering a new phase of algorithmic governance? Or could AI also create opportunities for more efficient and fairer political decision-making?
A conversation about power, control, and the future of democratic order.
Please note: The event will be held in German.
Participants
Genia Kostka: Prof. Dr. Genia Kostka is a Principal Investigator at the Excellence Cluster “Contestations of the Liberal Script (SCRIPTS)” and Professor of Chinese Politics at the Freie Universität Berlin, where she also directs the Institute for Chinese Studies. She previously served as Professor at the Hertie School, Assistant Professor at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, and worked as a strategy consultant at McKinsey & Company.
She received her PhD in Development Studies from the University of Oxford and also studied at the Johns Hopkins SAIS and the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her research focuses on digital societies, environmental politics, and political economy, with a regional focus on China.
https://www.scripts-berlin.eu
https://www.geschkult.fu-berlin.de/e/oas/sinologie/institut/mitarbeiter/1_professoren/Kostka.html
Katja Weber: Katja Weber hosts programs on Rundfunk Berlin‑Brandenburg (rbb) stations radiodrei and radioeins, as well as on Deutschlandradio’s Deutschlandfunk Nova. She also moderates discussions, public events, and podcasts on topics such as digitalization, society, and education.
Partner
The event organised by the Scripts Cluster of Excellence at the Humboldt Lab is taking place with the kind support of Humboldt University of Berlin.
- Admission is free, registration is required.
- Duration: 60 min
- Language: German
- LocationHumboldt Lab, 1st floor
- Part of: SCRIPTS Short Talks
- Belongs to: On Water
Additional information
Accessibility
The Humboldt Forum and all exhibition rooms can be reached barrier-free with a wheelchair. A tactile floor guidance system facilitates orientation for blind and visually impaired visitors. Educational formats are tailored to the different needs of visitors with disabilities. These include tactile tours, guided tours and workshops.
Barrier-free parking is available south of the Humboldt Forum on Schlossplatz. Barrier-free parking is available south of the Humboldt Forum on Schlossplatz. For more information, click here.
Bus bays are available in Rathausstraße: Stopping time from 9 - 22.30
By underground and suburban railway
U Museumsinsel (U5): 1 min walk
S/U Alexanderplatz: 15 min walk
S Hackescher Markt: 10 min walk
By bus
Lustgarten: 100, 300, N5; 1 min walk
Berlin Palace: 147; 1 min walk
Dates
May 2026
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