Russia, Snowden's case, and the G20 summit

The Snowden Affair, a series of revelations by Edward Snowden, a former contractor for U.S. intelligence services, has sparked a global discussion on the balance between national security and individual privacy. Snowden's disclosures, which include the Prism affair involving XKeyscore, have highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in government surveillance programs.

The Snowden affair has also raised questions about the credibility and effectiveness of international cooperation in matters of surveillance and privacy. This comes at a time when the global financial crisis, which erupted in 2008-2009, has already strained the credibility of international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Group of Twenty (G20).

Initially, both the IMF and G20 were considered dynamic and effective institutions during the early stages of the financial crisis. However, their credibility has been seriously undermined throughout the crisis. The global financial institutions themselves were largely responsible for this, due to their initial failure to prevent the crisis, inadequate responses, and perceived bias towards wealthy countries and financial elites.

The Snowden affair has also strained relations between the U.S. and Russia. Edward Snowden's asylum in Russia has disappointed Barack Obama, and the affair has had a negative impact on the effectiveness of international institutions, potentially weakening the fabric of institutional cooperation.

The Great Depression was not expected to recur, according to world leaders, due to improved monetary policy and institutionalized international cooperation. However, the 2008-2009 financial crisis proved them wrong. Prolonged periods of tension can have a similar impact, as they can weaken the effectiveness of international institutions and undermine the trust placed in them.

In response to the Snowden affair, The Guardian is fighting back after David Miranda's detention. The newspaper, which played a key role in publishing Snowden's leaks, has been a vocal advocate for press freedom and transparency in government actions.

The Snowden affair is a significant event in the ongoing debate about surveillance and privacy. It has led to a renewed focus on the role of whistleblowers in exposing government secrets and the importance of maintaining a balance between national security and individual privacy. As the global community continues to grapple with these issues, the Snowden affair serves as a reminder of the need for transparency, accountability, and vigilance in the face of potential abuses of power.

Snowden, who has left Moscow airport, remains in Russia, having found asylum there. The implications of his actions and the responses they have provoked continue to reverberate around the world, shaping the discourse on national security, international cooperation, and individual privacy.