AI and Governance

What the paper says

This research critically examines the evolving dynamics between artificial intelligence (AI) and governance structures across Latin America, with a specific focus on how state—citizen relationships are being reconfigured in the algorithmic age. It reveals a persistent tension between the adoption of advanced ethical frameworks and deep-seated structural gaps in their practical implementation. Positioned as an emerging techno-ideology, AI fundamentally reshapes power dynamics within society, particularly through its application in public administration—epitomized by the concept of Intelligent Governance and Public Administration (GAPI). The study analyzes multifaceted challenges, including oligopolistic control of digital platforms, systemic reproduction of discriminatory biases (e.g., gender discrimination), fragmented regulatory landscapes, and enduring technological dependencies that threaten regional sovereignty. While regional advances like the 2024 Cartagena Declaration and national AI strategies in Uruguay, Brazil, and Mexico mark progress, significant risks endure—notably the pervasive “ChatGPT effect” (characterized by uncritical generative AI adoption) and critical infrastructure asymmetries where only 18% of data centers support advanced AI models. The research concludes that effective governance necessitates binding legal instruments, rigorous algorithmic auditing mechanisms, robust public–private-social collaboration, and industrial policies prioritizing public goods—particularly in strategic sectors like healthcare and sustainable agriculture—over commercial interests. This integrated approach is essential to prevent AI from calcifying Latin America’s historical inequalities through algorithmic means.