Case Study Analysis: Edward Snowden's Impact on National Security

This case study analyzes the actions of Edward Snowden, focusing on whether he should be considered a traitor or a hero. The assignment begins with a reflection based on Gibbs' Reflective Cycle, outlining Snowden's role as a computer expert and former CIA system administrator who released confidential government documents related to surveillance. The analysis examines the ethical dimensions of Snowden's actions, considering utilitarian ethics and the potential benefits to a large population. The assignment evaluates Snowden's actions in the context of heroism, highlighting his willingness to take risks for the greater good. The conclusion argues that Snowden's actions, though potentially illegal, were driven by a desire to protect the public, ultimately positioning him as a hero. The assignment references scholarly articles to support its arguments and provides a comprehensive overview of the Snowden case.

Edward Snowden: Traitor or
Hero?

Table of Contents
Edward Snowden: Traitor or Hero?.............................................................................................1
REFLECTION.............................................................................................................................3

REFLECTION
On the basis of Gibbs' Reflective Cycle this can be reflected.
Description
This case study which is the basis of discussion in this report is about Edward Snowden
who in 2013 is computer expert and former CIA system administrator. Edward Snowden
released some government confidential documents about existence of government surveillance
(Liaquat, 2018). This act of Edward Snowden was condemned illegal and wrong by many but
many people even supported Edward Snowden that his intention behind this were not wrong
and he intended to safeguard the population of America.
Feelings and Thoughts
On ethical grounds I believe that this act of Edward Snowden though was conducted with
good intentions but the act was illegal and he cannot release confidential government
documents to anyone specially without anyone's knowledge and like a behaviour rather than
releasing it through legal channels. This would have been both legal and ethical. This act of
Edward Snowden was on the basis of Utilitarian Ethics theory which considers greatest good
for greatest number of people. This includes that ethical decision should be based on people
who are going to get benefit of the decision. I believe that Edward Snowden did the same and
his act benefited millions of Nationals rather than government who is also working for
nationals but considers that their security of confidential documents is more important than
security of people of the country.
Evaluation of the Experience
This discussion also base on the answer that whether Edward Snowden a hero or traitor.
Then on this basis it can e said that he is hero because he has considered good of people rather
some some officials (Wain, 2017). This is a act though done in wrong way but ethically and
intentions behind this act were not wrong and bad. This is a characteristic of hero that they
think for people and act bravely rather than thinking about some people in power and remain
silent because of their fear and some laws which do not consider well-being of people. There
one other factor that like every hero Edward Snowden took risk and even after knowing that
his act may be considered illegal and may put him in legal problems and may harm his image
and goodwill he chose to do what he did and did this because it was god for country citizens
and most of the people of the country.

Analysis
This has also been stated by The Editorial Board of The New York Times that “He may
have committed crime but he has done a country a great service.” this the opinion of one of the
biggest news agency and organisation and opinion of such organisations are respected by
many people and saying their makes Edward Snowden a Hero rather than a traitor.
Conclusion
If this situation to put in another frame then I can say that Edward Snowden is never a
traitor because he didn't have betrayed anyone but have helped people (Wain, 2017). And
when it comes to government. They are also serving the people for whose security neither of
the government official thought and the person who thought is being condemned traitor. In my
opinion Edward Snowden is a Hero.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Liaquat, A., 2018. Does reflection writing effects the knowledge, attitude and skills of house
officers?. Health Professions Educator Journal. 1(1). pp.45-48.
Wain, A., 2017. Learning through reflection. British Journal of Midwifery. 25(10). pp.662-
666.