On Wikileaks and World Stability
Since the release of US embassy cables (aka #cablegate), many have accused wikileaks of being irresponsible on the argument that what is revealed will retard progress or even destablise world politics.
However, 15 days after the release of these cables, we have observed no breakdown in negotiations, no cooling of relations, and no increase in aggression, even from those states the world is most weary of - Iran and North Korea.
I see nothing unusual about this.
In my opinion, the documents revealed no real surprises for the states players - in my opinion the diplomatic services of the states involved would have already known or at least suspected the attitudes and opinions contained in cables. I find it unlikely that US diplomats have such distinction and trust amongst their colleagues that they are privy to the confessions to exclusion of all others.
Having said that, cablegate will certainly lead to many more awkward moments across the negotiating table. Will diplomats sabotage negotiations over "blunt assessments" of themselves?
Cheers,
Steve