Manipulation of information as a hybrid threat

EU and the U.S. in comparative perspective

Bibliographic Data

ID16829634
AuthorsSusana Sanz-Caballero (0009-0006-8003-1174, Universidad Cardenal Herrera CEU, corresponding author)
Year2026
Pages1-13
Publication date2026-04-16
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEuropean Political Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1680-4333 • E-ISSN: 1682-0983
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s1682098326100411
OpenAlexW7154593231
LanguageEN
References cited16

This paper compares how the EU and the U.S. address hybrid threats, particularly the manipulation of information as a tool to undermine democracies. Hybrid threats include tactics like cyberattacks, disinformation, and electoral interference, often by foreign or non-state actors. The EU has adopted a regulatory approach, notably through the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA), which impose duties on large platforms to mitigate systemic risks and enforce transparency. It combines hard and soft law tools, emphasizing human rights and co-regulation. In contrast, the U.S. prioritizes free speech, limiting government action against disinformation due to First Amendment protections. Although federal agencies play a key role in countering foreign interference, recent shifts signal a move away from fact-checking and cyber operations. The EU and U.S. face similar adversaries but diverge significantly in their strategies. This divergence may weaken democratic resilience unless efforts are coordinated and platform accountability is strengthened across both regions

Accountability · Action (physics · Comparative politics · Disinformation · Global governance · Government (linguistics · Human rights · Limiting · Resilience (materials science · Soft law · Cybersecurity and Cyber Warfare Studies · Freedom of Expression and Defamation · Hate Speech and Cyberbullying Detection

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Open DOIOpen Access