Defining boundaries for diplomatic confidentiality
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WikiLeaks might drag the world into a kind of transparency before it is ready for it.
Last week, the website declared it would publish, in the next few days, around 3 million confidential US documents that are expected to harm US interests and its relationship with its allies.
On Monday, it fulfilled its promise by revealing details of US diplomacy and candid, if not too candid, assessments of US diplomats.
The released documents indicate that US diplomats' behavior and their comments have probably exceeded what can be expected of responsible diplomats, which consequently embarrassed the US government and its allies.
According to one of the released documents, the US government is undertaking a secret intelligence campaign to obtain detailed biometric information on key UN officials, which include undersecretaries, heads of specialized agencies and their chief advisers.
What's more embarrassing might be the blunt comments on world leaders. In cables written by US diplomats, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is described as an "alpha-dog," Afghan President Hamid Karzai is "driven by paranoia," and German Chancellor Angela Merkel allegedly "avoids risk and is rarely creative."
The exposure reveals a mix-up between the proper role and behavior of US diplomats and raises questions about the legality of their practices. But where is the boundary of diplomatic confidentiality?
It is amazing the public has so much access to government documents and communiqués. However, diplomatic activities sometimes are not supposed to be fully exhibited before the public.
Diplomacy is subtle and involves rational analysis and decision-making based on overall national interests. But public opinion is usually emotional and sentimental.
Public knowledge of intimate diplomatic relations can shape public opinion negatively about world events or other countries. This information can then influence or bring pressure to diplomatic policies and affect normal diplomatic procedures.
Earlier this month, a leaked video circulated on the Internet showing the crash between a Chinese fishing boat and Japanese coastguard vessels. The leak increased the complexity of the situation, which was already a diplomatic hot button between China and Japan.
The Internet has made it easy to release and divulge confidential information. The pros and cons of releasing confidential diplomatic documents should be well considered.
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