In this new geopolitical age, there is an urgency to reimagine global governance and the defence of democratic institutions. Today’s challenges are wide-ranging, spanning from emerging authoritarianism to the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence. This is a transition period that requires new global leadership capable of crafting rules and norms fit for the 21st century, as well as renewed global leadership, collective action, and investment in civic education and governance to counter rising instability and authoritarianism. These were some of the main conclusions of the Korea-Bulgaria policy roundtable Experiences of Transition, Challenges in the Age of AI, organised by the Center for the Study of Democracy and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Bulgaria on 10 November 2025 in Sofia.
Participants underscored the urgent need to reimagine global governance and strengthen democratic institutions amid rising authoritarianism and technological disruption. Experiences from South Korea and Bulgaria highlight how civic participation, education, and economic growth reinforce democratic resilience. Sustained investment in civic education, good governance, and the rule of law is essential, not only to safeguard human rights and freedoms but also to secure stable, sustainable economies.
Participants alsoexplored the complex relationship between artificial intelligence and democratic institutions, emphasising both its transformative potential and its risks to governance and public trust. While AI can drive economic growth and innovation, its misuse could deepen public disillusionment and enable manipulation through disinformation and algorithmic bias, especially as generative technologies reshape how people consume information. Transparency, accountability, and strong ethical frameworks are essential to preserving trust in both technology and democracy. There is a need to balance technological progress with ethical responsibility, ensuring that AI serves to strengthen, not undermine, democratic values.
The dialogue concluded that sustaining democracy in this new geopolitical era demands visionary leadership, stronger international cooperation, and renewed investment in civic resilience. Participants emphasised that only by aligning technological innovation with democratic principles and ethical responsibility can societies safeguard both freedom and progress in the decades ahead.
