IT, Edward Snowden, and International Politics
By Timothy Mulligan
In a world with rapidly shifting international powers, tense
political relationships, new technologies, and general uncertainty about the
future of the internet, Edward Snowden stands apart. Uniquely, one man has
shaken the foundations of government-to-government interaction. His actions
(treachery in the minds of some) have ignited a massive power struggle between
the world’s greatest nations. How specifically, has Snowden affected the United
States? What is the impact of his actions? Let’s look at several of the Unites
States internationally relevant relationships.
USA to Snowden
Why is the American Government hunting Edward Snowden down
and demanding his return to be tried for treason? His actions clearly violated
the charge he had to protect the confidential information he had access to. Moreover,
his actions have greatly embarrassed the United States internationally, hurting
their international reputation. Snowden’s impact is much greater than is
immediately evident, and he is perhaps one of the single most influential
individuals in the world today. He has the ear of nations and the public as
Americans and beyond wonder what his motivation possibly could be.
USA to China
As the mega-powers of the world clash in a diplomatic
battle, The Chinese and American governments have faced a challenge. The
Chinese government has been quick to use the leaked information, even in light
of the US-China summit. Though the US requested that Snowden be held at the
airport in Hong-Kong, the Chinese government allowed him through. Both of these
things have most certainly challenged the relationship of trust between the two
entities.
USA to Russia
Similarly to China, Russia has taken advantage of Snowden’s
asylum. It seems clear that the Russian government has little use for the
information that Snowden has with him. Vladmir Putin, however, is eager to do
anything to remind the United States of the historical tensions between the two
nations. Russia harboring Snowden isn’t directly hurtful to the US, it is an
annoyance that recalls Cold War memories.
USA to the World
Perhaps the most concerning relational damage that came as a
result of Snowden’s whistleblowing is to the United States’ relationship with
the World. Previously, the US was a champion of internet freedom, a white
knight is a world strongly controlled by government influence. Snowden revealed
how much of a hand the US government actually had in the day-to-day internet
activities of its citizens, greatly hurting that image. Now, in the face of
international talks about internet freedom, the United states can no longer
negotiate from a place of strength.
So what do you think? Considering the effects of Snowden’s
actions, should he be crowned champion or labeled traitor? Should we even take
his actions into consideration when passing judgment?
Citation:
Logan, Sarah. "Snowden, International Relations and the Transit Lounge…." Circuit International Relations and Information Technology. East Asia Forum, 1 Aug. 2013. Web. 21 Oct. 2013.
Citation:
Logan, Sarah. "Snowden, International Relations and the Transit Lounge…." Circuit International Relations and Information Technology. East Asia Forum, 1 Aug. 2013. Web. 21 Oct. 2013.
I think that the way he is perceived changes from the point of view he is seen. As you mentioned, the perception that the United States has of him is very different from what many countries around the world have of him. Many countries around the world view his actions as an eye opener to the relationship between them and the United States. This has and will definitely hurt the international relationships that the United States has with several countries around the world.
ReplyDeletePaulina,
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely correct. Internationally, perceptions of Edward Snowden vary wildly. We are seeing a similar situation with the recent revelation that the NSA tapped Germany's prime ministers personal phone. The German populace is peeved (to say the least) with the American Government, whereas our government can only really apologize. International opinion of the States certainly is in a tender balance.
The snowden incident is an excellent way to take a look at how our government uses its immense power to try and predict possible terrorist attacks, other countries, and pretty much everything else. While I don't agree with some of the things that have happened I honestly feel the government has been backed into a corner. We want protection and prevention from terrorists, but at the same time complete privacy. If a terrorist attack happens we will blame the government for not doing enough to protect us. If they violate our supposed privacy we will get angry at them for that as well. Perhaps there is a better way to catch these terrorists, but until that is figured out we need to decide what we really want.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Max on this one. I think the government should do what they have to in order to protect us. If you have nothing to hide, what's there to fear? It is a bit of a catch 22 for the government in this situation, but at the end of the day I don't feel that they have been doing anything over the top or too extreme, and I do feel safe with the US government behind me. I'm satisfied...
ReplyDeleteSnowden is the Government's worst enemy right now in my opinion. I respect that he put his life in jeopardy in order to release information of what was really going on but perceptions of his actions vary not only in the US but other Countries as well. This is scary for any government because now anyone can do this and could ruin reputation and jeopardize relationships between countries. The Government should be able to do whatever it takes to keep the American people safe, however, they should use the technology they have in order to help the people not hurt or scare them. If you have nothing to hide you should not worry but lets be honest everyone has something to hide, this is concerning but very interesting. I am curious as to what will happen to Edward Snowden in the future. Do you think he will be alive in 5 years, disappeared or forgotten entirely?
ReplyDeleteIn answer to your last question....I'm afraid Snowden will have very much been forgotten in 5 years. Who knows where information control will be in 5 years? Will the government find new ways to tap and control information? Will Snowden's attempt to blow the whistle on the government be obsolete?
Delete