Alberto Alemanno & Jacquelyn D. Veraldi (eds.)
Musk, Power, and the EU: Can EU Law Tackle the Challenges of Unchecked Plutocracy?
At a time when calls for the EU to respond to Musk’s actions are multiplying, the question of whether, why, and how the EU may react remains largely unanswered. What makes Musk’s conduct problematic under EU law? Is it a matter of disinformation, electoral integrity, foreign influence, unprecedented market concentration, or possible abuse of power? Or is it all of the above, or a combination of these factors? This edited volume unpacks whether and how (EU) law may tackle the existence and exercise of unprecedented plutocratic power. The authors explore a multitude of legal avenues, from freedom of speech to competition law, technology law, data protection to corporate taxation.
As with all our Verfassungsbooks, the digital edition is Open Access. A print copy can be ordered at your local bookstore or from major online retailers, with worldwide delivery available.
In an era defined by the rise of techno-plutocrats and waning democratic guardrails, Musk, Power, and the EU offers a timely and incisive exploration of how one individual’s sprawling influence challenges the European legal and political order. With a powerhouse lineup of legal scholars and public policy experts, this book doesn’t merely diagnose the threats – it provides a bold, rigorous framework for understanding and confronting them. A vital contribution to public debate, this volume compels lawmakers, citizens, and thought leaders alike to ask whether the EU can – and will – defend its democratic values in the face of unchecked private power.
Alexander Fanta, Journalist at Follow the Money
In a viable, participatory democracy, no person, corporation or interest group – no matter how loud, wealthy, or powerful – stands above the law. This collection of important research explores vital, vexing questions of how to defend the rule of law in the European Union against a frontal challenge by oligarchic forces claiming to act in the interest of Western ideals. It is an uncomfortable debate but one that the authors confront with intellectual vigor and admirable European self-awareness.
David M. Herszenhorn, Editor at The Washington Post
It is deeply troubling that the EU continues to channel hundreds of millions of euros to Elon Musk – someone who has openly attacked European values, spread disinformation, and endorsed far-right parties. This book brings much-needed clarity and urgency to the legal and political questions surrounding Musk’s influence in Europe. At a time when democracy and rule of law are under threat, we must not reward those who undermine them. This is a vital contribution to a conversation the EU can no longer afford to ignore.
Daniel Freund, Member of the European Parliament
At a time when so many observers are lamenting the inadequacy of European rules to keep a check on the excesses of Silicon Valley’s techbros, Alberto Alemanno and Jack Veraldi offer unique insights into what options EU regulators can deploy in response. Together with their contributors, they have conducted a timely audit of the relevant weaponry in Europe’s regulatory arsenal, and express doubt and scepticism in part due to the potential consequences their deployment could bring about.
Mark MacGann, Fellow at Shorenstein Center, Harvard University
Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Grant Agreement No. 101143236.