[ONLINE] How Technology Can Reinvigorate Democracy: Conversation with Audrey Tang and Glen Weyl

Please join New America's Political Reform and Technology and Democracy programs on September 27th from 2–3pm ET for a virtual discussion about the new book Plurality: The Future of Collaborative Technology and Democracy with authors Audrey Tang and Glen Weyl and moderated by Anne-Marie Slaughter.

In a moment when the role of technology across democracies feels increasingly precarious, exploring new avenues of civic engagement has never been more urgent.

Plurality explores the transformative potential of digital technologies to strengthen democracy on a global scale. Both a book and open-source project, Plurality considers how collaborative technology can promote greater transparency and enhance public participation by providing channels for direct input on everything from workplace governance to how markets can operate.

Drawing on Taiwan’s journey to becoming an inclusive digital democracy, the book blends interdisciplinary and international perspectives to advance a more hopeful future for the digital world—where coming together across lines of difference can lead to stronger and more equitable democratic systems.

Speakers
Audrey Tang served as Taiwan's first Digital Minister from 2016 to 2024. During that time working for the government, Audrey spearheaded participatory platforms such as vTaiwan and Join and fostered civic innovation through initiatives like the Presidential Hackathon and Ideathon. Tang was titled one of TIME’s “100 Most Influential People in AI” in 2023.

Glen Weyl is the Research Lead of the Microsoft Special Research Project the Plural Technology Collaboratory. He founded and serves as board chair of the Plurality Institute, and founded and serves on the board of the RadicalxChange Foundation.

This conversation will be moderated by New America CEO, Anne-Marie Slaughter. She is the author of nine books including Renewal: From Crisis to Transformation in Our Lives, Work, and Politics, and The Chessboard and the Web: Strategies of Connection in a Networked World .