The global conversation on artificial intelligence (AI) regulation is accelerating, but not in a single direction and not under the control of any one bloc. What is emerging is a polycentric governance landscape: one in which different regions are simultaneously developing their own combinations of law, policy, standards and institutional oversight.

The European Union has taken the most comprehensive legal route with its AI Act. The United Kingdom is pursuing a strategy-led approach, while the United States continues to evolve within a fragmented federal and state system. At the same time, the Council of Europe has opened the first binding international AI treaty for signature.