Post second world war America, driven by the subsequent cold war and arms race, evolved into a national security state. National security due to its prioritization of national security often comes with a compromise of societal and civil priorities. As a result, secrecy, surveillance, extensive covert operations, and expanded executive power produces a tension between the civil liberties and institutions of the democracy (Dean). Constant fear mongering and cold war paranoia fueled the entrenchment of secrecy in many agencies of the US government. This did not only prevent the public from accessing information but also fostered a culture of deception that extended beyond nuclear testing.
In the context of US history, the spirit of nationalism was at its peak post-WWII, and the trust of the American people towards the government was high. This sentiment however, made it tough for the people to question the government and the institutions. As mentioned in Fox (2014), on one hand the ranchers and shepherds had lost their jobs and businesses due to the effects of the mushroom cloud, and investigations were being constantly suppressed with the victims not receiving adequate compensation. While on the other hand, expensive and expansive nuclear tests continued to help the US win the arms race. The fear of communist infiltration led to witch hunts, government propaganda from the press, and loyalty oaths. All of these actions demonstrate how loyalty was the government’s demand, rather than an inspiration. This “costly” demand was a significant burden for the American people. While the country did celebrate its post-war triumph and defeating global adversaries, heavy costs of maintaining such a stance became evident with erosion of civil liberties, violation of rights, suppression of information, expansion of foreign intervention, and never ending fear mongering. Not only this, but the story of Nevada’s nuclear tests and its effects on the ranching communities, the environment, and public health reflects the lasting impacts on many critical areas and sectors of the nation.
The historical records explained by both of these articles is not just a reflection or the retrospection of the past, instead, it is an alarming sign. Already today, because of deception and suppression of information has produced lack of public trust towards the institutions as well as the democratic process of the nation. However, internalization of secrecy in the bureaucracy supplemented by expanding executive powers continues to erode transparency and accountability. Historical experiences have a clear lesson: secrecy and unchecked powers are corroding factors to democracy, and when the national security state is heavily prioritized (and even weaponized), ordinary people are the ones that suffer. The responsibility now falls on the ordinary citizens and the civil society to demand accountability from the government. Most importantly, in a world where information access has been revolutionized, the media plays a significant role. If the public fails to demand accountability, and falls for propaganda, this will only perpetuate the cycle where deception is the governance, and truth is a casualty of power.
Will Wright 
Hey Prince,
While I agree with what you’ve put here, I’m interested if there’s anything you’d like to add at the end. For instance, what if the public fails to take note of abuses of power, or the secrecy is great enough there’s no way to see through it, an “information firewall” if you will? Do you think the public has done a good job of keeping the government accountable for this information, or have there been abuses? Should the public do more to guarantee data security? I’m interested to hear your response!
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