Diplomacy Facing the Revolution of 'Transparent Society' and 'Risk Society' - Wikileaks : International and Regional Ramifications

Contrary to the assumption that the leaks of the diplomatic cables represented a heavy and unexpected pressure on American diplomacy - through their exposition of a mode of operation based on hypocrisy and duplicity - I will try to prove that the leaks, in fact, signify greater challenges and pressures to the states of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), as in all the countries that witnessed a popular revolt, Internet played an informing, mobilizing and organizing role. I will show that the publication of secret documents may have more of an effect on regional relations within the Middle East than on bilateral relations between the countries of this region and the United States, with information contained in the documents likely to prompt some states to reassess their relations with others in the region. Methodology: I will examine this hypothesis through a theoretical framework based on the concepts of the 'transparent society' and the 'risk society' applying them on the diplomatic field, with a focus on certain examples that appear noteworthy in light of recent social and political events in the Middle East. I will thus examine whether a connection exists between the open source of the Internet and the events taking place in some countries, and discuss the American role in the region, as well as the anticipated developments and changes in diplomatic relations in light of these events