Edward Snowden's moral conflict between loyalty to the NSA and his commitment to public transparency ultimately drove him to leak classified information.
The podcast highlights the importance of reframing Snowden's narrative from traitor to patriotic whistleblower dedicated to preserving democracy.
Deep dives
The Decision to Leak
Edward Snowden, faced with an overwhelming sense of anxiety, prepares for a pivotal interview with journalist Glenn Greenwald. He reflects on his fear of arrest and imprisonment but understands the critical importance of conveying his story about the NSA's mass surveillance of American citizens. This deep-rooted commitment to transparency stems from his belief that the public has a right to know about government overreach and its implications for democracy. Ultimately, Snowden arrives at the realization that releasing the information is an act of moral duty rather than personal gain.
The Journey to Whistleblowing
Snowden's path to becoming a whistleblower is rooted in his early experiences and values instilled during his time in the intelligence community. Having worked for the CIA and feeling a strong sense of loyalty, he grapples with the idea of loyalty to the public versus loyalty to his employer. When pushed to explain why he decided to leak sensitive information—as a relatively young contractor—he cites a moral conflict that escalated into an unavoidable need to act. His choice is framed as a last resort, fueled by a belief that revealing the truth would ultimately benefit the country.
The Motivation Behind the Leak
The discussions between Snowden and Greenwald highlight the urgent need for a narrative to counter public skepticism regarding Snowden's intentions. Greenwald emphasizes the necessity of portraying Snowden not as a traitor but as a patriotic individual dedicated to protecting American democracy. They probe into Snowden's past to connect his personal values to his actions, reinforcing the notion that his motivations are steeped in a vision of accountability and transparency. As they delve deeper, it becomes clear that Snowden's journey is intertwined with his relentless desire to uphold the constitutional rights of citizens.
The Act of Disclosure
In a dramatic turn of events, Snowden meticulously executes a plan to gather evidence of the NSA's extensive surveillance programs, which he believes violate privacy rights. He navigates the challenges of working in a high-security environment while quietly compiling thousands of classified documents. This careful orchestration culminates in a significant moment as he successfully smuggles out key data using a Rubik's Cube to conceal a memory card. The decisive actions not only represent a personal transformation for Snowden but also set in motion a series of revelations that would shake the foundations of governmental oversight and privacy.
Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now.
