Debate: Do the Risks of Artificial Intelligence Outweigh Its Benefits?
October 3, 2026
Event Host: Washington Union Society
Jack Morton AuditoriumGeorge Washington UniversityWashington DC
In a debate series hosted by the Washington Union Society in partnership with the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, ITIF Founder and Senior Fellow Rob Atkinson speaks in opposition to the following motion: “This House believes the risks of artificial intelligence outweigh its benefits.”
The debate follows a modified British Parliamentary–style format, with two speakers per side.
The structure is as follows:
- Proposition Speaker One—10 minutes
- Opposition Speaker One—10 minutes
- Proposition Speaker Two—10 minutes
- Opposition Speaker Two—10 minutes
- Floor Questioning—10 minutes
- Closing statements—5 minutes per speaker above order
During floor questioning, members of the audience are permitted to ask questions to any speaker or side.
