Course Description

We explore the background to WikiLeaks, the disclosure of information that embarrassed and confounded governments, Julian Assange's years of hiding and ultimately his arrest and conviction by the US courts. We also look at how Australian politicians responded, following the winds of public opinion, and consider whistleblower protections in Australian law.

Course Outline

• Assange's history as a computer hacker
• Philosophical drivers behind WikiLeaks
• Assange and the 'tech bros'
• Bouquets and brickbats
• Sexual misconduct allegations in Sweden
• The Ecuadorean embassy
• The 2016 American election
• American Espionage Act charges
• Extradition attempts and legal battles
• Imprisonment and human rights
• Public opinion gets behind Assange
• A plea deal with the US and the return to Australia
• But was he a journalist?
• Whistleblower protections - or not...?

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the forces that shaped Assange's world view and the purpose of Wikileaks
• Appreciate the game plan of the Silicon Valley 'Masters of the Universe' who became today's 'Tech Bros'
• Critically assess the risks and benefits of Wikileaks' disclosures
• Understand the sexual misconduct allegations in Sweden and Assange's efforts to avoid them
• Learn how Assange helped Donald Trump get elected in 2016
• Find out why the US pursued Assange with Espionage Act charges
• Evaluate the role of public opinion in his eventual freedom
• Ponder the limits of free speech, journalism, and what this might mean for democracy
• Learn about whistleblower protection in Australia