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Political Science · Studypool

DISCUSSION LIBERTY OR SECURITY

Post ID: 3469951

* Discuss: Liberty or Security?: PA's Ethical Dilemmas, Civil Liberties, Government Surveillance and the Rise of the National Security State

Some thoughts on this issue:

It's a mistake to say that there is a balance between liberty and security. They are integral parts of the same whole.

National security directives are understudied but immensely powerful tools of presidential administration.

[With government] surveillance, the government casts a wide net that ensnares the communications of ordinary Americans on a massive scale — in violation of our constitutional rights

With a popular government, some degree of surveillance may be beneficial, the researchers found, since it makes the government more stable and protects it against being overthrown. But what’s best for the government is not what's best for the country — the government will always want to conduct more surveillance, above and beyond what’s best for the country.

So long as there’s broad support amongst a people, it can be argued there’s a level of legitimacy even to the most invasive and

morally wrong program, as it was an informed and willing decision. . . . However, programs that are implemented in secret, out of public oversight, lack that legitimacy, and that’s a problem. It also represents a dangerous normalization of “governing in the dark,” where decisions with enormous public impact occur without any public input

Objectives:

This discussion assignment examines the historical background regarding civil liberties protections in the US in a post-9/11 world and its implications to public administration ethics. Given the current technological developments, changes to the Administrative State and the Increasing infringement on Civil Liberties the topic is still relevant and raises several questions/concerns in the context of public administration ethics. It appears that we are still grappling with the tension between individual rights (civil liberties) and national security. Think about where you see the protection of civil liberties in the US stands today and whether you believe we will see a suppression of our rights in the age of technological advances and AI, or whether this will make us "more free" under the current administration and its code of ethics. Are our civil liberties under attack in the US? What are the ethical dilemmas faced by public administrators in a Trump Administration? We will be examining the case study of Edward Snowden (whistle-blower hero or traitor?) and the increasing power of the NSA and the National Security State.

Key aspects of U.S. surveillance and Ethics

Ethical dilemmas in PA involve issues such as corruption versus public duty, balancing transparency with privacy, conflicts of interest, and the abuse of power. These cases require administrators to navigate complex situations where personal and professional values may conflict, often examining issues like favoritism, nepotism, misuse of public resources, and the ethical use of new technologies:

Key Factors include:

  • Legislation and authority: Legal frameworks like FISA and EO 12333 provide the authority for government surveillance, while the USA PATRIOT Act expanded powers after 9/11.
  • Mass data collection: Programs have collected vast amounts of data, including cell phone location records and internet communications, often through secret or ex parte proceedings before the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC).
  • Technology and partnerships: Surveillance relies on a wide range of technologies, including social media monitoring and data analysis tools. It involves a "cottage industry" of private companies that partner with the government.
  • Targeting and impact: Surveillance has been used against political activists, journalists, and marginalized groups, particularly those in Black, Latino, Arab, and Muslim communities.
  • Concerns and criticisms: Critics argue that this system erodes individual freedoms, is prone to abuse, and lacks sufficient transparency and accountability. Whistleblowers like Edward SnowdenLinks to an external site. have highlighted the extent of these programs.
  • Local and state efforts: At the state and local level, the use of technologies by law enforcement, often through "fusion centers" that share information with federal agencies, raises further concerns about surveillance and civil liberties with little public debate or oversight.
  • Key considerations in the debate
    • Oversight and accountability: The debate often hinges on whether there are sufficient legal and ethical safeguards to prevent abuse and ensure accountability for those who conduct surveillance.
    • Transparency: A lack of transparency in surveillance programs can make it difficult for the public to evaluate their necessity and effectiveness.
    • Scope: The ethical implications change depending on the scale and nature of the surveillance, such as distinguishing between targeted surveillance and mass surveillance of the general population.
    • "Nothing to hide" argument: Critics often challenge the idea that innocent people have "nothing to hide," arguing that privacy is a fundamental right for everyone, regardless of their activities

Instructions:

TAKING THE ABOVE CONSIDERATIONS/FACTORS INTO ACCOUNT, Please watch the film Citizen FourLinks to an external site. and the Frontline news documentary the The United States of Secrets Part IILinks to an external site.. Discuss how the films relate to the readings in the context of understanding the ethical dilemmas this poses for public administrators and the continued tensions between our Civil Liberties (Freedom of Speech, Press, Right to Privacy) and National Security in a Post-9/11 World (w/an unpredictable Trump Administration).

Please address the following questions (CENTRAL QUESTION--WHAT ARE THE ETHICAL DILEMMAS THAT PUBLIC ADMINISTRATORS FACE IN PURSUIT OF NATIONAL SECURITY—WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR OUR CIVIL LIBERTIES ?):

  • What do you think about the limits of government and ethical constraints in pursuit of the U.S.'s National Security interests?
  • What ethical dilemmas does this topic raise for public administrators? What category does this issue fall under (Cooper; "ethics as....")?
  • What were the ethical dilemmas Snowden faced? How should we view Edward Snowden? Is he a "hero" and whistleblower or a risk to National Security and a traitor?
  • Which Frameworks serve to explain the dilemma faced by Snowden and that of government officials? What frameworks/guidelines should public administrators employ?
  • What surprised you about the films/articles? Why is this issue significant to our understanding of Public Administration Ethics?
  • What do the sources /readings suggest about the future of Civil Liberties in the US? Are you concerned about the direction the US is heading regarding other civil liberties and the nature of public administrative ethics? Why or why not?
  • What did you learn? Any other observations?
  1. Provide a clear argument/thesis--please write "my thesis is" in your introduction and conclusion.
  2. Provide references--at least 2 citations from the assigned readings (use your textbooks) and a minimum of 5 additional academic sources and 2 news/websites.
  3. Provide timestamps (10 for every 50 minutes of video; to back up your examples; e.g., 30:15);
  4. Make sure to proofread your post;
  5. Provide works cited (along with in-text citations) at the bottom of your post (MLA, APA, Chicago--whatever you are comfortable using);
  6. Please make sure to cite references to the textbooks, provide page numbers from the readings in your post (for example indicate which chapter you are referring to in addition to the page number).
  7. Posts should be at least 1500 words (probably more). You will not be penalized if you go over.
  8. Posts w/o citations/time stamps will not receive full credit.
  9. Remain objective--based on the sources what can you "observe"--you can tell me what you think at the end of your post (yes, your opinion matters !