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Technology & Innovation — October 28, 2011

Julian Assange: The Rebellious Leader

While WikiLeaks had the ability to transform political institutions, its creator's personality often overshadowed the information it released. Is Assange simply too rebellious to lead?

bigthinkeditors

What’s the Latest Development?

When Julian Assange refused to cooperate any longer with the publisher and ghost writer of his new biography, the strong personality of WikiLeak’s founder had again asserted itself. Since Assange had already spent the book’s advance on legal fees, his publisher went forward with publication. But thanks to Assange’s withdrawal from the relationship, there is no information after November 2010, just before the publication of thousands of classified American diplomatic cables.

What’s the Big Idea?

WikiLeak’s big break came when it received a massive cache of war documents written up by American soldiers and commanders. Disappointed by the lack of attention WikiLeak’s website received, despite it publishing incendiary information, Assange decided to cooperate with the mainstream press but quickly found the relationship trying. Major newspapers did not share his goal of an information-based revolution against power and authority. Never one to negotiate his principles, Assange’s personality outflanked some of WikiLeak’s potential.

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