# AI and cognitive warfare risks to democracy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ai-and-cognitive-warfare-risks-to-democracy > Updated: 2026-10-01T01:54:57.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Discussions regarding the impact of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure on democratic autonomy have centered on the risks of cognitive warfare and political manipulation. NATO defines cognitive warfare as a pursuit of “cognitive superiority” through activities designed to alter individual and collective cognition, including the use of bot farms to influence electoral processes. Concerns have been raised that AI could facilitate a form of “totalitarianism without a dictator” by neutralizing alternative viewpoints. Historian Jill Lepore has expanded on these themes in her work regarding the ‘Artificial State’, describing a digital communications infrastructure used by governments and corporations to automate political behavior and public discourse through algorithms and AI agents. Lepore argues this shift leaves civil society and freedom of expression vulnerable to manipulation. Additionally, the rise of AI infrastructure presents environmental challenges, with projections suggesting data center energy consumption could increase by as much as 200% between 2025 and 2030. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-01: Jill Lepore warns of democratic risks in ‘Artificial State’ Historian Jill Lepore warns in her new book that the ‘Artificial State’—a digital infrastructure of AI and algorithms—threatens democratic processes, freedom of expression, and informed citizenship. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jill-lepore-warns-of-democratic-risks-in-artificial-state ### 2026-09-28: Cognitive warfare and AI pose risks to democratic autonomy Experts warn that cognitive warfare and artificial intelligence are being used to manipulate public opinion, influence collective behavior, and potentially undermine democratic decision-making processes. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cognitive-warfare-and-ai-pose-risks-to-democratic-autonomy --- Cite as: AI and cognitive warfare risks to democracy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ai-and-cognitive-warfare-risks-to-democracy