2010 Essays

WikiLeaks and the Power of Secrecy

Mitchell, Lincoln A.

The newest revelations from WikiLeaks is being described as a major scandal revealing potentially embarrassing and damaging secrets for the U.S., possibly causing tension between the U.S. and important allies and has caused the Obama administration to consider legal action against WikiLeaks. These leaks raise may cause lasting harm to the U.S. Much of this will be little more than embarrassing, but some will have more serious implications for the country and its security. The leaks raise a number of questions around the role and security of secret information in the current media and technological environment.