He declared a new country governed by AI. He’s not sure it will end well
He declared a new country governed – A year ago, tech entrepreneur Dan Thomson announced the creation of a nation ruled entirely by artificial intelligence, nestled on a tropical island in Southeast Asia. Despite his enthusiasm, Thomson admits uncertainty about the project’s long-term viability. His AI-ruled experiment, named Sensay Island, is based in the Philippines’ Palawan province, a region known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Yet, as the project enters its second year, the founder remains cautious about its potential to thrive.
An AI-led utopia with historical figures as leaders
Thomson acquired the island in 2025, naming it after his AI company, Sensay. The island now functions as a micronation, governed by a council of robotic entities that mimic the traits of famous historical leaders. Among them are Winston Churchill, Eleanor Roosevelt, Marcus Aurelius, Nelson Mandela, Sun Tzu, Leonardo da Vinci, Alexander Hamilton, and Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. These AI representatives are designed to model the decision-making processes of their human counterparts, creating a unique blend of ancient wisdom and modern technology.
The project also opened applications for residency, aiming to attract individuals interested in living under an AI-administered system. While Thomson claims thousands have expressed interest, he acknowledges the experiment’s untested nature. “Um, if it starts acquiring weapons and attacking neighboring islands, that would be a bad situation,” he told CNN Travel. “I think it’s extremely unlikely.” This admission highlights the delicate balance between ambition and pragmatism in his vision.
Micronations: A long-standing tradition of self-declaration
Despite lacking formal international recognition, Sensay Island joins a long lineage of micronations—small, self-proclaimed states that have existed for decades. The Principality of Sealand, founded in 1967 on a decommissioned WWII naval platform off England’s coast, is one such example. It features its own monarchy, passports, and even a professional American football team. Other micronations, like the bohemian Republic of Užupis in Lithuania or the California-based dictatorship of Slowjamastan, have gained traction as tourist attractions or ideological experiments.
Historically, micronations have been driven by a desire to challenge traditional governance and claim unoccupied land under the concept of “terra nullius.” However, in recent years, the movement has drawn new attention from entrepreneurs and tech investors. These individuals see micronations as testing grounds for futuristic ideas, such as AI-driven governance or decentralized political systems. For instance, since 2023, crypto entrepreneur Balaji Srinivasan has organized “Network State” conferences, aiming to build virtual communities that could later secure physical territory and diplomatic status.
Redefining leadership in a digital age
Thomson’s project takes this idea further by replacing human leaders with AI-powered bots. While the council includes figures like da Vinci and Mandela, their influence is mediated through algorithms. This approach raises questions about the role of human judgment in governance and whether machines can replicate the complexities of leadership. Critics argue that an AI-led government might struggle with adaptability or public trust, but Thomson believes the experiment is gaining momentum.
Currently, the island’s population is minimal—only one person, Mike, a groundskeeper, according to Emily Keogh, who assists with the project’s communications. However, Thomson envisions a future where Sensay becomes a hub for tourism, catering to Palawan’s existing island-hopping and scuba-diving visitors. He also hopes to establish a small permanent community, though the island’s capacity is limited to around 30 villas. “It’s not enormous, but it’s not nothing,” Thomson remarked. “I think it’ll be mostly visitors; there may also be some permanent residents, but mostly visitors coming from the surrounding islands near Coron.”
Uncertainty and growing interest
Although Sensay Island lacks legal status as a country, its appeal continues to grow. Thomson noted that over 12,000 people have registered interest in becoming residents, a number he found surprising. “We’ve ended up with about 12,000 people registering their interest in becoming a resident, which was a lot more than we were expecting,” he said. Some of these individuals are now actively involved in the project, contributing to its development and administration.
One such contributor is Piotr Pietruszewski-Gil, who has experience in micronation projects. He described joining Sensay as a pivotal moment. “In July 2025, I was working on my micronation, and I created some AI models, modeling some historical figures—like, for example, Cicero from ancient Rome,” he explained. “It was at that time that I found Sensay Island. I told my friend: ‘This guy has made something much more sophisticated than we did.’” Now, Pietruszewski-Gil serves as a project manager, tasked with reviewing residency applications and ensuring the island’s structure aligns with its digital vision.
Despite the enthusiasm, Thomson remains aware of the risks. The island’s governance is entirely experimental, and its ability to function as a true state is still debated. Critics point to the lack of documentation confirming the island’s lease and development rights, which Thomson has yet to fully disclose. “We’ve got space for probably about 30 villas on the island,” he said, emphasizing its modest scale. Yet, this size might be enough to test the boundaries of AI governance and inspire further innovation in the field.
A world where AI rules—and humans hope it works
Thomson’s experiment is part of a broader trend in which technology is reshaping political systems. By integrating AI into governance, he seeks to create a model where decisions are made by algorithms rather than human intuition. While some experts question the wisdom of trusting machines with political power, Thomson remains undeterred. “I think we’ve ended up with about 12,000 people registering their interest in becoming a resident,” he said, highlighting the project’s growing support.
The absence of a formal government response from Palawan’s authorities adds to the mystery. Thomson’s micronation operates independently, with no official acknowledgment from the local government. This lack of recognition, however, may not deter its future expansion. As more individuals engage with the project, the potential for Sensay Island to evolve into a recognized alternative state grows. Whether it will achieve lasting success or remain a curiosity remains to be seen, but Thomson is confident in its direction. “I think it’s extremely unlikely” that the island will turn into a militarized threat, he said, but he acknowledges the challenges ahead.
With its blend of historical inspiration and technological ambition, Sensay Island represents a bold attempt to redefine leadership in the 21st century. While it may not yet have the weight of a true nation, its existence sparks debates about the future of governance and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping society. As the project moves forward, its impact on both the micronation movement and the world of tech-driven politics will continue to unfold, offering a glimpse into what could be a revolutionary new era of self-governance.
