| ID | 150489 |
| Title Proper | Perils of self-censorship in academic research in a wikileaks world |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | O'Loughlin, John |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | For the past six years, the availability of WikiLeaks data—including the SIGACTS violent event data for Afghanistan and Iraq as well as the diplomatic cables—has posed an important challenge for international relations and conflict researchers. Despite the evident attractions of the vast trove of primary data involving US military and diplomatic interests, only a few peer-reviewed academic papers have been published. The reluctance to analyze WikiLeaked information is mostly due to self-censorship. Because of its character, we cannot reliably know why American academics engage in self-censoring, but worries about repercussions for career prospects or fear of prosecution are probable. Despite threats of legal consequences by governmental officials, none have occurred (to my knowledge). Academics who have publicly spurned analysis of WikiLeaks information have made two arguments, either a) that it is against US law to access the data and/or that it helps America’s enemies or b) that the materials in the leaks are not worthy of much attention since they are not earth-shattering or unexpected. Neither of these claims holds much validity. |
| `In' analytical Note | Journal of Global security Studies Vol. 1, No.4; Nov 2016: p.337-345 |
| Journal Source | Journal of Global security Studies Vol: 1 No 4 |
| Key Words | Research ; Censorship ; Wikileaks |