State Secrecy and Democracy: A Philosophical Inquiry

Secrecy in the exercise of executive and legislative power can be seen as a legitimate exercise of democratic authority, according to Dorota Mokrosinska's book "State Secrecy and Democracy: A Philosophical Inquiry." This book explores whether the states' claim to restrict access to information can be justified and provides examples such as the Manhattan Project, the Iraq War, and the WikiLeaks and Snowden disclosures.

Format: Hardback
Length: 116 pages
Publication date: 25 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the aftermath of contentious revelations of classified government information by WikiLeaks and Edward Snowden, concerns regarding the democratic legitimacy of secret uses of political power remain prominently featured in the headlines. Despite the proliferation of initiatives aimed at enhancing government transparency, such as freedom of information or sunshine laws, secrecy persists in the foreign and domestic policies of democratic states. This secrecy manifests in various forms, including classified intelligence programs, espionage, secret military operations, diplomatic discretion, closed-door political bargaining, and bureaucratic opacity.

This book delves into the question of whether the states' claims to restrict access to information can be justified. Dorota Mokrosinska provides a qualified affirmative answer to this question, contending that secrecy in the exercise of executive and legislative power can be regarded as a legitimate exercise of democratic authority rather than a mere suspension of it. Throughout the book, past and recent examples of state secrecy are employed, encompassing notable events such as the Manhattan Project, the decision-making process that led to the Iraq War, the extraordinary rendition programs and secret detention sites in Eastern Europe, collaboration between international secret services, and the WikiLeaks and Snowden disclosures.

State Secrecy and Democracy: A Philosophical Inquiry is an indispensable resource for scholars and practitioners engaged in political philosophy, ethics, politics, international relations, and security studies, as well as law. By examining the complexities and implications of state secrecy, this book offers valuable insights into the democratic dynamics of power and the challenges posed by the veil of secrecy in contemporary society.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367539238