Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.
About the Event
Authoritarian regimes are currently exporting an “authoritarian AI stack”—a bundle of surveillance and censorship tools—to governments around the world. This event moves beyond theory to hear from partners on the frontlines who are navigating these realities.
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), and the International Republican Institute (IRI) are convening global experts to showcase concrete, pro-democratic AI initiatives that advance Accountability and support Economic Resilience.
Agenda
1:00 PM – 1:10 PM | Opening Remarks
Setting the stakes for the global AI competition and democratic resilience.
1:10 PM – 2:15 PM | Panel 1: The Authoritarian AI Stack — How It Spreads and What It Costs
Examining the human, democratic, and geopolitical costs of exported digital repression. This panel grounds the policy conversation in the lived experience of partners on the ground.
- David Smolansky, Miranda Center for Democracy (Venezuela)
- Sheena Greitens, University of Texas
- Xiao Qiang, China Digital Times
- Moderator: Kevin Sheives, National Endowment for Democracy
2:15 PM – 2:20 PM | Introduction: Lightning Talks on Democratic AI in Action
Presented by Kevin Sheives, National Endowment for Democracy.
2:20 PM – 3:00 PM | Lightning Talks: Democratic AI in Action
A curated showcase of research and field-based tools designed to support Good Governance, advance government transparency, and protect Human Rights.
- Anna Chekhovich, Anti-Corruption Foundation (Russia)
- Rinat Tuhvatshin, Kloop Media (Kyrgyzstan)
- Shanthi Kalathil, National Democratic Institute, Board of Directors
3:00 PM – 3:10 PM | Remarks and Panel Two Introduction
Presented by Bonnie Glick, Special Competitive Studies Project.
3:10 PM – 4:20 PM | Panel 2: AI & Economic Security (CIPE)
Securing the future of innovation and protecting global supply chains from non-democratic market distortions. This session focuses on promoting responsible AI adoption and business integrity.
- Scarlett Bickerton, SEMI
- Elizabeth Pishny, Google
- Albert S. Yohai, Colombian Chamber of Information and Technology
- Moderator: Jeff Lightfoot, Center for International Private Enterprise
Registration Information
This event is held in conjunction with the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) AI+ Expo. Attendance is complimentary, but registration through the Expo portal is required to access the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.