Research Interests
Political Theory of Artificial Intelligence; Democratic Theory; Critical Theory; Contemporary Political Thought
Bio
Nicolas Reina is a PhD student in the Department of Political Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison specializing in political theory. His interests lie at the intersection of democratic theory, critical theory, and the political theory of technology. Broadly, he is interested in how social and technological structures form subjects in ways that may undermine their ability to fulfill the conditions necessary for democratic self-governance.
His current research examines social artificial intelligence and the formation of democratic subjects. More specifically, his work considers how AI systems designed to adapt themselves to user preferences might reshape expectations of reciprocity, disagreement, and recognition in social relationships, and the implications of these changes for democratic legitimacy.
Nicolas approaches these questions through critical theory and contemporary political thought, drawing primarily on the work of Jürgen Habermas, Michel Foucault, and Herbert Marcuse. His broader research interests include democratic legitimacy, subject formation, and the relationship between technological development and democratic life.
Prior to studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Nicolas obtained his BA (2023) and his MA (2024) in political science from Wayne State University. In his free time, Nicolas enjoys hiking, camping, and watching soccer.