Acknowledgments -- Who watches the watchers? -- The problem : how to regulate state secrecy? -- Should we rely on judges? Transparency and the problem of judicial deference -- Should we rely on Congress? Oversight and the problem of executive privilege -- Should the law condone unauthorized disclosures? Fire alarms and the problem of legitimacy -- Should we rely on whistleblowers? Disobedience and the problem of retaliation -- Should we trust leakers? Anonymous sources and the problem of regulation -- Bitter medicine -- Notes -- Selected bibliography -- Index.
Summary:
Secrets and Leaks examines the complex relationships among executive power, national security, and secrecy. State secrecy is vital for national security, but it can also be used to conceal wrongdoing. How then can we ensure that this power is used responsibly? Typically, the onus is put on lawmakers and judges, who are expected to oversee the executive. Yet because these actors lack access to the relevant information and the ability to determine the harm likely to be caused by its disclosure, they often defer to the executive's claims about the need for secrecy. As a result, potential abuses are more often exposed by unauthorized disclosures published in the press. But should such disclosures, which violate the law, be condoned? -- Publisher website.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.