National Security, Journalism, and Law in an Age of Information Warfare

National security reporting has long involved tension between governmental efforts to protect against threats to our collective well-being, and journalism's efforts to inform the public and hold state actors to account. Attempts to balance the needs and duties of government and journalism are increasingly challenged by pervasive misinformation and disinformation, the rise of alternative “news” sources, distrust of traditional media and government, and both legal challenges to and external threats against journalists.

National Security, Journalism, and Law in an Age of Information Warfare describes the professional and ethical challenges faced by journalists covering national security, lawyers litigating national security issues, and government institutions entrusted with protected secrets in a context of information disorder. This book helps one to understand how secret-keepers, journalists, and sources are navigating unprecedented challenges in an age when trust in institutions is low and the spread of disinformation through social media undermines efforts to inform and protect the public. The volume explores the rise of deception and disinformation, new clashes over executive power and national security, and changing norms of privacy and transparency in the age of social media.

This collection of indispensable essays provides an array of perspectives on difficult problems and provides illuminating answers that can help government and journalism develop better policies and practices.