Global governance of artificial intelligence and the question of political legitimacy

Eva Erman and Markus Furendal

Chapter 4 in Handbook on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence, 2026, pp 46-60 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The rapid rise of artificial intelligence poses urgent challenges for global governance, yet discussions have emphasised ethical principles while largely neglecting the question of political legitimacy. This chapter addresses this gap by examining the concept of global political legitimacy and applying it to the global governance of artificial intelligence (AI). It explores three core questions: What should be legitimately controlled? Who should have a say? And how should legitimate global AI governance come about? The analysis highlights how concentrated control by powerful states and corporations risks exacerbating inequalities and entrenching global hierarchies, underscoring the need for inclusive structures that enable those affected by AI to influence its regulation. By distinguishing between normative and sociological legitimacy, developing the concept of a ‘chain of legitimacy’, and evaluating soft- versus hard-law approaches, the chapter argues that robust legal frameworks are essential for ensuring both effective and politically legitimate global AI governance.

Keywords: Global AI Governance; Political Legitimacy; Democratic Accountability; Power Asymmetries; Soft Law Vs Hard Law; Normative Legitimacy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035338573
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