AI and the Future of Democracy with Author Ben Buchanan

Who will steer the future of this world-changing technology?

Join author Ben Buchanan and Washington Post national security journalist, Ellen Nakashima for a discussion on AI, international power dynamics, and the future of democracy, inspired by Buchanan's new book, The Bitter Struggle.

In The Bitter Struggle, Ben Buchanan—the White House’s first Special Advisor for Artificial Intelligence and a current advisor to Anthropic—provides an extraordinary insider's perspective on America's race for AI leadership.

Don't miss this essential discussion exploring one of the defining challenges of our era.

About Ben Buchanan

Ben Buchanan was the first White House Special Advisor for AI, leading the development and execution of the Biden administration’s AI policy. He is the author of four books and is currently a professor at Johns Hopkins University and an advisor to Anthropic.

About Ellen Nakashima 

Ellen Nakashima is a Nieman Journalism Fellow at Harvard this year, on leave from The Washington Post, where she covers national security. She has written about the intelligence community, U.S.-China competition, cyber operations and policy, and foreign malign influence across multiple administrations.

She has been a member of three Pulitzer prize-winning teams - in 2022 for investigating the security failures that contributed to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, in 2018 for examining Moscow’s efforts to influence the 2016 election, and in 2014 for reporting on the hidden scope of National Security Agency surveillance.

About the COOP

Founded in 1882 by Harvard students, The COOP began as a simple but ambitious idea: a store created to serve students. When MIT joined the cooperative in 1916, The COOP quickly became a landmark in Harvard Square. Over the decades, it has welcomed cultural icons while evolving into a global destination for community and culture. Today, The COOP remains a hub for discovery, conversation, and community; bringing together readers, writers, and ideas that shape campus life and reach far beyond it.

Please note

• This event is free and open to the public, but RSVP is required.
• This event is free and open exclusively to Harvard and MIT students. RSVP is required.
• Please arrive promptly. The conversation will begin at 6:30 pm.
• By RSVPing, you agree to receive timely updates on COOP events and special offers.
• Books by Ben Buchanan are available for purchase and signing at the COOP
• This event may have an event photographer taking photos for marketing purposes. If you do not want your photo taken, please let a COOP staff member know when you arrive at the event.
• Location details: This event is located on the 3rd floor of The COOP at 1400 Mass Ave. in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA.