Diplomatic Quote by Edward Snowden
![“These [NSA] programs were never about terrorism: they're about economic spying, social control, and diplomatic manipulation. They're about power.” quote by Edward Snowden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/72d/edward-snowden-555_diplomatic_these-nsa-programs-were-never-about-terr_2162445.jpg)
“These [NSA] programs were never about terrorism: they're about economic spying, social control, and diplomatic manipulation. They're about power.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: “Snowden on Surveillance”, 2015
The quoted programs serve state interests like economic advantage, social control, and diplomatic leverage rather than counterterrorism.
In simple terms: State surveillance aims at power, not just security.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden motives behind security policies.
Themes
power
surveillance
politics
economics
diplomacy
Mood
cautious
critical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
political
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- journalism
- activism
- public debate
Key Concepts
statecraft
information control
geopolitics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance security with civil liberties?
- What safeguards can limit abuse?
A Different Perspective
These programs can also be used for legitimate national security threats.
![“Terror became a big issue when the Reagan Administration came in. They immediately announced [their plans] and kind of disparaged Carter's alleged human rights programs. The main issue is state-directed international terrorism. Right at that time that big industry developed. That's when you start…” quote by Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d4d/noam-chomsky-42_academic_terror-became-a-big-issue-when-the-reaga_3095944.jpg)
![“[Brazil] went to the UN and said, "We need new standards for this." We need to take a look at what they're calling "data sovereignty."” quote by Edward Snowden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/af7/edward-snowden-555_brazil_brazil-went-to-the-un-and-said-we-need-n_14906.jpg)
![“There was a real choice when [Barack Obama] became president. It was a very difficult choice - to say, "We're not going to hold senior officials to account with the same laws that every other citizen in the country is held to," or "This is a nation that believes in the rule of law."” quote by Edward Snowden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/104/edward-snowden-555_accounts_there-was-a-real-choice-when-barack-obam_27838.jpg)
![“I worry about the lack of experience that Rex Tillerson has had on the diplomatic front and, frankly, I think that's true for many of the appointments to [Donald] Trump's cabinet.” quote by Claire McCaskill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c4e/claire-mccaskill-5688_appointments_i-worry-about-the-lack-of-experience-tha_143996.jpg)