NATIONAL FORENSIC LEAGUE

Public Forum Topic Analysis

February 2010

DISCLAIMER: This topic overview is provided by the National Forensic League to provide a basic foundation for
understanding the debate. It is not intended to be a definitive statement of the topic to be debated, to prescribe
what direction the debate should go, or to provide the “framer’s intent” for the topic. Accordingly, this topic
overview should not be quoted or referred to in any actual debate round.

Resolved: Wikileaks is a threat to United States national security.

Wikileaks describes itself as “a non-profit media organization dedicated to bringing important news
and information to the public. We provide an innovative, secure and anonymous way for
independent sources around the world to leak information to our journalists. We publish material of
ethical, political and historical significance while keeping the identity of our sources anonymous, thus
providing a universal way for the revealing of suppressed and censored injustices.”1

Founded in 2006, the site is now famous for releasing hundreds of thousands of classified documents,
ranging from sorority secrets to classified diplomatic cables. The site has drawn immense criticism
for hindering national security, while proponents of the site champion government transparency and
First Amendment rights. The site has sparked an intense discussion over the extent of free speech
versus protecting national security and national interests, providing an excellent framework for
debate.

Pro

Wikileaks negatively impacts diplomacy

Wikileaks’ coverage of diplomatic cables in recent months presents a problem for worldwide
diplomacy, particularly for the United States and its interests. Cables exposing secret operations,
alliances, and knowledge can upset the balance of power across the world as smaller nations and
non-governmental organizations understand the inner workings of diplomacy and assert themselves
in discussions, potentially taking actions and disrupting the current order in the world. Because
diplomatic relations are sensitive works-in-progress, disrupting the process before it is finalized can
hamper the ability for beneficial diplomacy.

Wikileaks exposes the locations of vital interests

One of Wikileaks’ largest leaks exposed information discussing vital United States interests’ locations,
including locations for creation of vaccines, important mining locations, and much more. By releasing
this information, the site further enhances the ability of terrorists and malicious persons to cause
damage to the United States. In the case of vaccines or vital minerals, the compromise of such
interests could detrimentally impact the United States and its national security.

Wikileaks endangers those who supply information to the U.S.

In a recent leak, the full names of U.S. informants in Afghanistan and Iraq were released. Not only
does the release of their names endanger their lives, but it also potentially compromises operations
abroad which could enhance United States security, especially through terrorism intelligence.

Wikileaks can be used to spread misinformation

While Wikileaks claims its sources are accurate and fact-checked, there is little way to know with
certainty that all of its material is correct. The site could be used to spread misinformation, thus
creating a number of problems. Falsehoods could create panic, particularly in the case of severe
accusations on the site. Like Wikipedia, the quality of the material is difficult to gauge and could
cause problems should entities rely heavily upon the content.

Con

Wikileaks is only the messenger

As the adage goes, “Don’t kill the messenger.” Wikileaks itself is not a threat to national security;
instead, the real threat is the leaking of information, which occurred long before Wikileaks came into
existence. Like journalistic sources such as newspapers and magazines, Wikileaks is only the medium
by which “secrets” and classified documents are communicated. Without Wikileaks, the information
could still spread, particularly in an age in which USB drives, social networking, and cloud computing
facilitate easy data transfer. Journalistic sources are covered under the first amendment; though
there have been information leaks in war time, such as Geraldo Rivera’s leak of military operations in
Iraq, journalists are still permitted to relay the information they receive.

Enemies likely already know many of the “secrets”

If Wikileaks can acquire “secrets” and sensitive information, terrorists are likely already aware of the
information. Foreign intelligence agencies also collect information and very well may leak it without
the aid of Wikileaks. Through that process, terrorists and enemies of the United States could easily
access the same sensitive information being published on Wikileaks. Much of the information on
Wikileaks is not profound, secret, or new; therefore, the site is scarcely aiding U.S. enemies.

Wikileaks makes the government respond to potential national security flaws

Wikileaks only exposes the existent flaws in the U.S. national security system. By exposing the flaws
and making them public, Wikileaks forces better accountability and more secure systems. Without
the leaks, the government might neglect potential flaws; but with Wikileaks, public pressure will force
the government to close the holes and enhance national security.

Much of Wikileaks’ releases aren’t national security secrets

The United States government and military define “national security” so broadly that almost anything
could be classified as a component of national security. The classified documents leaked on the site
are rarely linked to national security, but instead contain information that might embarrass diplomats
or nations. The government and military definitions of national security are too broad; through a
proper definition of national security, it is clear that much of the releases are not national security
secrets, nor a threat to national security itself.

1. From the Wikileaks home page. As of this writing, the page could be accessed by IP address at
http://213.251.145.96/; however, as a result of political pressure and website takedowns, this
link may not be persistent.