Title page 1

Contents 6

Acknowledgements 3

Résumé 4

Abstract 5

Introduction 7

"Delete, delete, delete": The deregulation campaign within the United States 9

Three objectives: unleashing innovation, competing with China, dismantling censorship 9

One year of deregulation targeting AI, cybersecurity and content moderation 11

The pivotal role of the White House and independent agencies 14

A campaign undermined by contradictions and opposition 16

Deregulation vs. instrumentalization 16

States vs. the federal government: Republican resistance 18

"Show respect to America and our amazing tech companies": opposition to European regulation 19

Censorship, threats to sovereignty, illegitimacy of the EU: accusations from Washington 19

A vast array of actors wielding powerful tools 22

The U.S. government and its levers of influence 22

A campaign taken up by private actors 29

"Cultivating resistance": The U.S. strategy relies on European partners 31

An effective campaign? Resistance and concessions 37

A clear show of resistance 37

Initial signs of success 38

Potential for unintended consequences 39

Conclusion: How should Europe respond? 42