Civil society in crisis times: new geographies of governance in an era of AI

Irene Hardill; Sophie Milnes; Sarah Mills; Rhys Dafydd Jones

doi:10.1080/13562576.2026.2651101

Civil society in crisis times: new geographies of governance in an era of AI

Irene Hardill^*, Sophie Milnes, Sarah Mills, Rhys Dafydd Jones

^*Corresponding author for this work

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Abstract

Governments worldwide are grappling with the advent of AI and its potential for governance, improving public services and impacts for its citizenry. This provocation outlines these unfolding geographies of governance. Specifically, we provide a critical lens into the themes of digital transformation, AI and navigating polycrisis, with potential wider global resonance and interest for geographers. To do so, we critically reflect on the potential impacts of AI on public service delivery focusing on civil society organisations offering advice services to citizens in Wales and England. We outline key considerations centred on difference and devolution; connecting with citizens; and discontent and trust.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	1-5
Number of pages	5
Journal	Space and Polity
Early online date	6 Apr 2026
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/13562576.2026.2651101
Publication status	E-pub ahead of print - 6 Apr 2026

Keywords

AI
civil society
crisis

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10.1080/13562576.2026.2651101Licence: CC BY

CivilSocietyCrisis_ForRepositoryAccepted author manuscript, 204 KBLicence: CC BY
Civil society in crisis times new geographies of governance in an era of AIFinal published version, 611 KBLicence: CC BY

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AB - Governments worldwide are grappling with the advent of AI and its potential for governance, improving public services and impacts for its citizenry. This provocation outlines these unfolding geographies of governance. Specifically, we provide a critical lens into the themes of digital transformation, AI and navigating polycrisis, with potential wider global resonance and interest for geographers. To do so, we critically reflect on the potential impacts of AI on public service delivery focusing on civil society organisations offering advice services to citizens in Wales and England. We outline key considerations centred on difference and devolution; connecting with citizens; and discontent and trust.

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Civil society in crisis times: new geographies of governance in an era of AI

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