A prime factor of the new diplomacy is its inclusive and open character. More actors, such as NGOs can take part in the diplomatic process and negotiations, or at least their results, are made open to the public through the mass media. As a result, it has been argued, the wider public is integrated and diplomacy becomes more democratic.
However, recent development might just go a step too far. Wikileaks, an internet platform on which anonymous documents can be published to reveal unethical conduct of governments, announced that starting today they will release a quarter-million of American diplomatic cables.
Over the weekend, The Guardian, the New York Times, and the German newspaper Der Spiegel already released some of information about the content of the documents, giving a premonition of what the US will face throughout the next days and weeks. 
The White House already contacted its allies warning them about the release of the cables, stating “We condemn in the strongest terms the unauthorised disclosure of classified documents and sensitive national security information” (New York Times).
The documents contain the daily communication between the US embassies around the world and the US State Department, most of them sent over the last three years.
Despite almost insulting descriptions of other leaders, such as Putin the “alpha-dog”, Afghan President Hamid Karzei as “driven by paranoia”, and Angela Merkel as “rarely creative”, the documents also comprise the US strategies and evaluations of sensitive contemporary issues in World Politics.
In the documents, Pakistan’s instability is discussed, as well as the US battle against al-Qaida in Yemen. So is highly suspicious behaviour indicating corruption in Afghanistan, as Vice President Massoud carried 52 Million Dollar in cash around when he visited United Arab Emirates last year. The US will also owe the United Nations an explanation, why Hillary Clinton signed a directive instructing 30 ambassadors to spy on UN officials and diplomats.
The next days will show how much the disclosure of these documents will really affect American diplomatic relations. Berlusconi, for example, seemed to have a good laugh reading about himself being incompetent, snobbish and ineffective. If other countries will share Berlusconi’s humour and treat the documents lightly is uncertain.
Nevertheless, it remains highly questionable if the inclusiveness of diplomacy should go that far. If diplomats are no longer able to act freely and if they cannot build on confidentiality, it might just come to diplomatic standstill. Secrecy, as much as openness, can be a bad and a good force. Secrecy can cover unethical conduct, but it can also be the only solution in situations of conflict to find a compromise which is saving everyone’s face and is avoiding diplomatic crisis.
Carolin, I must say that I quite agree. I believe there is a need for open diplomacy as well as back channels, however both have their pro's and con's. The media can be quite careless when releasing information, free press is important but do you think that the media has a social responsibility to the public? Because of wiki leaks so many "relationships" have become strained and it is all so very embarrassing. In saying this, I think there is a way forward from this as states will always conduct business with each other to achieve their own interest irrespective of what has been said.
ReplyDeleteHi! I share your views on the need of both open and secret diplomacy. As it has been mentioned again and again, in times of crisis secrecy can often be the only way forward! When it comes to WikiLeaks, it might have been a step towards too much openness, but then again I hope that it will serve as a warning towards the diplomats! Even though, they have many special rights and privileges and most of what they say stays a secret if they wish so, at times things like WikiLeaks happen. It might work as a reminder that those rights and privileges should not be misused and that the shadow of secrecy might at times be false..
ReplyDeleteI believe that wikileaks have not have to much effect. Its a minor crisis maybe but it wont stop diplomats from being more gentle. This is information that the already knew just not clarified for the public. It will blow over quick and they have no choice that to resume their negotiations. At the end of the day the depend on each other.
ReplyDeleteI believe that wikileaks has had a an impact in the field of diplomacy. It may not be a great one, but it has definitely shaken the diplomatic community. I personally feel, that after these blasts, diplomats will be encouraged to have open and free talks with one another thus pulling them out of the shadow of secrecy. Even though the relationships between countries might have gotten a bit sour, I'm sure that they would not let these blasts come in the middle of their negotiations, as countries cannot afford to sever diplomatic relations with one another.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this peace, enjoyed reading it. I wanted to comment on the point of potential standstill within diplomacy if confidentiality was not absolute-
ReplyDeleteThe evolution of the internet is unprecedented phenomena that has thrown everybody off their horses and individuals like myself are finding it hard to keep our private business private with the force of social networking sites but just like we are adjusting to the new loopholes, diplomacy has to be innovative and adjust to the current forces that undeniably are scary. I think if we can do it- so can they.