The Proxy War: Julian Assange, WikiLeaks, and the Russian Influence Over American Institutions

Since at least 2012, Julian Assange and his organization, WikiLeaks, have been inextricably linked to Russian interests. This relationship has not only undermined American security but has also fueled a proxy war on U.S. institutions, with Assange and his team acting as proxies for Russian geopolitical strategy.

Background on WikiLeaks and Its Targeting of U.S. Interests

Since its emergence in 2010, WikiLeaks has garnered attention for its extensive and sometimes damaging disclosures of information. While it claims to serve the public interest, WikiLeaks' focus on attacking U.S. interests has been disproportionately high. According to a Senate report, WikiLeaks' document releases and statements have benefited Russia at the expense of Western allies. This is evident in a number of incidents where WikiLeaks published documents that were detrimental to U.S. interests without considering the sensitive nature of the information.

Information Brokering and Shared Interests

WikiLeaks has worked with Russian government entities to share classified information. For example, Russian national Israel Shamir, employed by the Russian government, received tens of thousands of State Department cables from WikiLeaks. These documents, which were used to arrest political opponents in Belarus, directly harmed U.S. interests. The relationship between Assange and Russia goes beyond this; it includes formal partnerships and shared strategic goals.

Russian Strategic Support for and Partnership with WikiLeaks

The Russian government has shown significant support for Julian Assange and WikiLeaks, recognizing them as valuable allies in the promotion of Russian geopolitical interests. RT, a state-owned media platform, has provided Assange with both media exposure and financial support, which has been instrumental in shaping geopolitical narratives.

Formal Partnerships and Media Emphasis

RT first signed a contract with Assange in 2012 for ten episodes, which aired as "The World Tomorrow." Following a meeting between RT's editor-in-chief and Assange in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, the relationship was solidified. Russian media quickly praised RT as the only Russian media company with a relationship with WikiLeaks, and this partnership continued to benefit both sides by providing a platform for Assange to promote his agenda.

Assange's Motivation and WikiLeaks' Ambitions

Julian Assange's motivations and WikiLeaks' ambitions have long been clear. According to a former colleague, Assange's work is "a one-dimensional confrontation with the U.S.A," and his ambition is to "bring down" the United States through leaks. WikiLeaks has a history of prosecuting its cases with a single-minded focus on maximum political impact, often at the expense of individual privacy and safety.

Abetting Espionage and Law Violations

The WikiLeaks website has previously stated that it aims for maximum political impact, which often means compromising national security. Assange has admitted to targeting the U.S. because, "it is the world’s superpower." This viewpoint has been echoed by WikiLeaks' efforts to provide classified information to U.S. adversaries, a clear violation of U.S. law and national security.

Conclusion: The Implications of Russian Support for WikiLeaks

The relationship between Julian Assange and the Russian government has significant implications for American security and international relations. By supporting WikiLeaks, Russia has created a formidable proxy force that undermines U.S. institutions and exacerbates geopolitical tensions. It is crucial to understand the nature of this relationship and to take appropriate measures to mitigate the risks associated with it.