Global Courant 2023-04-20 00:42:00
Edward Snowden, Chelsea Manning and now Jack Teixeira.
Three individuals charged with protecting the most sensitive and highest classification of US military secrets. Each, part of the military-industrial complex that projects US strength and power around the world. Yet all of them disregarded their sacred oath and duty to protect their nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and became the enemy themselves.
Now American prestige is on the line as it reels from another attack from within. The country’s resolve is once again tested as it faces both external and internal challenges. Less safe and more vulnerable.
News of the Pentagon leak continues to have huge political and security implications, both domestically and globally. The highly sensitive and classified information reveals the depths of US spying on not only enemies but also friends. US diplomats are being called to the world’s capitals to explain the embarrassing revelations and do damage control.
In an ever-changing geopolitical landscape, the leak underscores the precarious nature of the US with some countries and the urgency to contain the fallout. Anything less could derail long-standing friendships and fragile partnerships and fuel a major international reshuffle.
LEK HAS TRUST IN US
The quick and speedy arrest of the alleged leaker has certainly helped to defuse tensions. However, new information about the top-secret intelligence agency entrusted to entry-level personnel raises more questions than it answers.
Moreover, this latest leak since the Snowden and Manning sagas makes it clear that little or no protection has been put in place to prevent the unauthorized release of such highly classified information. No doubt a shock to the confidence of friends and allies that the US can hold and preserve sensitive information.
Recent remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron during a state visit to China hint at what could happen on the horizon as this latest hodgepodge continues.
Speaking to the media, Macron stated: Europe’s great risk is that it will be caught up in crises that are not ours, preventing it from building its strategic autonomy. He continues: “The worst thing would be to think that we Europeans should become followers… and be guided by the American agenda…”
Given that France is the United States’ oldest global ally, these comments should raise alarm in the wake of another embarrassing intelligence nafu. The latest leak of US military secrets is another tremor in the foundations of an international order that has guided it for decades.
Macron’s remarks only fuel speculation about possible change in a rapidly changing environment that continues to cause concern and consternation.
At a time when nascent military and economic powers are pushing the limits of their newfound prowess (namely China and North Korea), the United States continues to grapple with relentless domestic threats as it seeks to maintain its strategic dominance abroad. US President Joe Biden has downplayed the severity of the impact, but the scope is undeniable.
The commander-in-chief stated that he “don’t worrywith the leaked information, but went on to say, “I’m afraid it happened. But there’s nothing contemporary that I know of.
Nevertheless, despite the president’s outward display of determination, other key allies are not so optimistic.
The Communication security companyCanada’s National Bureau of Cryptocurrency said it was concerned about “the chances of critical infrastructure disruption”.
A spokesman for the agency stated: “State-sponsored cyber threat actors may also target critical infrastructure to gather intelligence through espionage; preposition in case of future hostilities; or as a form of power projection and intimidation. We remain deeply concerned here threat and urge critical infrastructure owners and operators to contact us to work together to protect their systems.”
WHAT IS THE RISK FOR CANADA?
Stephanie Carvin, an associate professor of international relations at Carleton University, recently told the Canadian press that the apparent leaks put Canada at risk because the Americans now likely no longer have access to cybergroups targeting this country.
Carvin argues, “That means we are potentially less secure. (Canada is) heavily dependent on the US for our intelligence gathering, it would mean we would lose access to that reporting if the US were effectively cut off.”
Canada has consistently been one of the United States’ largest trading partners. The two border countries have had an alliance dating back 150 years. The recent announcement of joint military exercises in the Arctic, amid growing concerns about Russian aggression and Chinese espionage, was meant to show a forward-thinking approach to the growing threats facing the continent.
The exercises are an attempt to respond to both aircraft and cruise missiles targeting the region. Undoubtedly welcome news, especially in light of mysterious objects flying illegally over US and Canadian airspace.
However, unexpected leaks have made Canada more vulnerable; increasingly vulnerable; and less safe from strategic attacks. While it’s highly unlikely that Justin Trudeau will publicly distance himself from the US in a similar fashion to Emmanuel Macron, it’s not at all surprising if questions abound at 24 Sussex Drive.
China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia and North Korea are just a few of the geopolitical foes seeking global realignment. The latest leak in a series of high-profile leaks over the past few years could be the catalyst to hasten a global shift away from the US. Continued exposure by internal malicious actors only highlights the vulnerabilities of US espionage operations.
Moreover, these treacherous actions pierce the veil of US military superiority. Downplaying the seriousness of the problem will not reassure allies and will do little to hinder enemies.
If American greatness is to survive, it must first face the threat of its global dominance by confronting nefarious actors from within.
Eric Ham is a best-selling author and former congressman in the United States Congress. He contributed to TheHill.com and The Washington Diplomat. He lives in Washington, DC.
