Your editorials and articles regarding AI, including Rafael Behr's piece (Keir Starmer is right to gamble on an AI revolution, but it might not pay out in time, 15 January), provide valuable insights into the discourse around this fifth Industrial Revolution. While much of the discussion has revolved around how democracies might regulate AI, there is a glaring issue that remains largely unaddressed: the impact of AI-augmented labor markets on democratic governance itself. Since the late 19th century's second Industrial Revolution, the dominant political framework of industrial capitalism in the global north—aside from a brief period of European fascism—has been various iterations of parliamentary democracy. These structures largely emerged because organized labor could negotiate with capital for a share of the wealth produced by human labor, leading to the establishment of political parties that represent the interests of working people. In fact, systems of labor relations grounded in freedom of association and collective bargaining have been vital to the endurance of functioning democracies. However, instead of generating more productive employment as some hope, the AI revolution could significantly reduce work and job opportunities, diminishing capital’s dependence on human labor for creating surplus value and profit. If this results in the decline of workers' organizations and further erodes the economic foundations of social democratic political parties, several critical questions must be addressed.

How will capital be regulated and held accountable?What safeguards can prevent individuals like Musk from monopolizing state resources?What methods will remain to ensure an equitable distribution of the wealth generated by AI value chains?Moreover, at what point do declining incomes lead to unsustainable demand levels? Simon Steyne Former senior adviser on fundamental rights at work, International Labour Organization Do you have opinions on anything you've read in the Guardian today?Please email your letter to us for consideration in our letters section.