WikiLeaks

The filtration of more than 250,000 secret cables from the U.S. State Department has unleashed an unprecedented diplomatic crisis that will deeply affect future international relations and modify the framework for interaction between international players. In the same way that Watergate forever altered the relationship between the press and power, “Cablegate” will permanently transform diplomatic circuits, building a wall of distrust that limits the facility of exchange between countries, particularly in regard to the U.S.

For many, the exploits of WikiLeaks are an achievement for freedom of expression and transparency; I fear, rather, that this will mark a return to diplomatic obscurantism and more concealed practices. One would be too gullible to believe that diplomatic relations will once again be transparent (they never have been, and they never will be) and that the public would finally have access to the details of international politics.

This gala of secrets constitutes the worst nightmare for governments and a dream come true for journalists and historians. The incident also demonstrates how the Internet and digital information are modifying the ways in which world powers are interlaced and how they relate with their citizens and, above all, the vulnerability of digital information. If such a filtration can happen in the U.S., let us imagine what could happen in a country like our own. I am sure that the disclosure of our diplomatic secrets would unleash a storm in the chancellery and that the elated celebration of today in response to WikiLeaks would transform itself into both a drama and a tragedy.

The circulation of the cables has just ignited what will be the talk of the entire planet during the next few months. Many international players and governments will use the WikiLeaks information to discredit the U.S. and to undermine its world power. Meanwhile, WikiLeaks director Julian Assange, a person of dubious moral character who has been accused of rape in Sweden, will be judicially pursued all over the world. Various governments have announced the opening of investigations to determine possible violations of their laws.

It therefore becomes inconceivable that our vice chancellor, reasoning as a journalist and not as a diplomat, has celebrated the leaks and offered residence to Assange in Ecuador, without considering the repercussions on our international relations. His statements have circulated freely all over the world and have left Ecuador trailing a string of adjectives that it certainly does not deserve. It is perfectly understood that a historian or journalist would become euphoric with the opening of archives forbidden to the public. It becomes difficult to understand, however, the naïve and hasty reaction of a diplomat such as our vice chancellor.