Abstract
Contrary to the assumption that the leaks of the diplomatic cables represented a heavy and unexpected pressure on American diplomacy - through their exposition of a mode of operation based on hypocrisy and duplicity - I will try to prove that the leaks, in fact, signify greater challenges and pressures to the states of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), as in all the countries that witnessed a popular revolt, Internet played an informing, mobilizing and organizing role. I will show that the publication of secret documents may have more of an effect on regional relations within the Middle East than on bilateral relations between the countries of this region and the United States, with information contained in the documents likely to prompt some states to reassess their relations with others in the region.
Methodology
I will examine this hypothesis through a theoretical framework based on the concepts of the "transparent society" and the "risk society" applying them on the diplomatic field, with a focus on certain examples that appear noteworthy in light of recent social and political events in the Middle East. I will thus examine whether a connection exists between the open source of the Internet and the events taking place in some countries, and discuss the American role in the region, as well as the anticipated developments and changes in diplomatic relations in light of these events.
Introduction and definitions
The WikiLeaks phenomenon could not have happened in a place where "transparency" is not a paramount motto and a code of conduct. The event took place in the democratic countries, and despite that, official reactions warned of the potential threats and suggested a tradeoff between the security of citizens and society on the one hand, and sacrificing transparency on the other. This logic meant that societies were presented with a false dichotomy, forcing them to choose between preserving security and/or maintaining transparency. However, the intensifying events in the Middle East, which have created maelstroms in the face of autocratic regimes, are a refutation of the claim that security could be maintained without transparency. Because these leaks touched on diplomacy, transparency and fear of security threats are not only a concern of local communities, but also of the regional regimes and the world order that dominates the international society. I will begin by defining key concepts in order to avoid misinterpretations. These key terms are: risk society, transparent society, epoch revolution, and diplomacy.
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