The Importance of Document Control in Politics and Governance: A Historical Perspective
Introduction:
In today’s world, documents have become powerful tools in shaping political narratives and maintaining power. From the scandals involving Donald Trump and Boris Johnson to historical examples of rulers controlling knowledge, it is evident that documents hold immense significance. This article explores the role of document control in politics and governance, emphasizing the importance of record-keeping for good governance and an open society. Additionally, it delves into historical instances where access to documents was suppressed and the consequences it had on public understanding. Through these discussions, it becomes evident that archives and record-keeping are crucial components of a functioning democracy.
Controlling Knowledge for Political Dominance:
One of the noteworthy aspects of the current political landscape is the use of documents by populist and authoritarian leaders to control knowledge. Trump and Johnson, as recent examples, both attempted to use documents to shape their political narratives. Trump’s use of classified documents, despite storing them in an inappropriate location, highlights his desire to demonstrate power and control. Similarly, Johnson’s resignation in the face of a potential parliamentary suspension showcases the significance he attached to managing the document trail.
This phenomenon is not unique to contemporary politicians. Throughout history, rulers have sought to control knowledge as a means to exercise power. Ashurbanipal, the ruler of Assyria in the seventh century BCE, forcibly seized cuneiform tablets from his enemies to control historical narratives. Henry VIII targeted monastic libraries to gather evidence in support of his cause, actively destroying materials that didn’t align with his objectives. Even in modern times, Putin’s attack on libraries and archives in Ukraine serves as a stark reminder that control of historical narrative remains a weapon for authoritarian regimes.
The Role of Record-Keeping in Good Governance:
These incidents underscore the fundamental importance of record-keeping in maintaining good governance and an open society. The populist impulse to control knowledge through erasure, misinformation, and disinformation emphasizes the critical role that robust record-keeping plays in holding those in power accountable.
Well-maintained paper trails and digital archives hold politicians, civil servants, and special advisers accountable for their actions. They allow the public to track the evolution of public policies, such as the responses to the ongoing pandemic, and to identify any inequalities in policy implementation, like the award of PPE contracts. Documents empower the public to hold those in power responsible for their decisions, ensuring transparency and fostering integrity in public life.
Archives as an Essential Infrastructure of Democracy:
Both Trump and Johnson serve as prime examples of the essential role archives play in the infrastructure of democracy. Trump’s indictment for crimes and Johnson’s resignation demonstrate that documents carry immense weight in political decision-making and public perception. Their actions have highlighted the significance of archives in preserving the truth and allowing the public to evaluate the behavior of their leaders.
Suppression of Public Access to Documents:
However, it is crucial to acknowledge the historical suppression of public access to documents, which has posed challenges to transparency and accountability. The Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, for instance, holds the war diary of Lewis “Loulou” Harcourt, the secretary of state for the colonies during the early twentieth century. Harcourt’s diary sheds light on important cabinet debates preceding and during the First World War. Yet, at the time, cabinet discussions were meant to remain confidential, and only the Prime Minister had the right to take and keep records of these proceedings.
Instances like these remind us that the availability of documents for public scrutiny has not always been a given. It is through the efforts of individuals like Harcourt, who prioritized communication, documentation, and preservation, that we have gained invaluable insights into historical events. The recent revelation of Matt Hancock’s Covid-era WhatsApp messages serves as a contemporary example of how recording and sharing information can provide an unfiltered look at government crisis management.
The Need for a Thorough Review:
Given the ever-evolving landscape of communication and information-sharing, there is a pressing need for a thorough review of the ministerial code and its relationship to existing laws and freedom of information legislation. Updating guidance to include private messaging systems under the Public Records Act of 1958 is crucial to ensuring transparency in government affairs. Additionally, parliament must possess the necessary authority to prevent a scenario similar to Orwell’s dystopian world in “1984”, where the past is erased and replaced with manipulated truths.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the current political landscape showcases the immense power that documents hold in shaping narratives and maintaining power. Populist and authoritarian leaders have historically attempted to control knowledge to further their agendas. However, the importance of record-keeping for good governance and an open society cannot be understated. Well-maintained paper trails and digital archives allow the public to hold those in power accountable, track policy decisions, and expose inequalities. Nevertheless, historical instances of document suppression highlight the need for ongoing vigilance in preserving access to information. By recognizing the significance of document control and nurturing an environment of transparency, we can strengthen the infrastructure of democracy and ensure that the past is not erased.
Summary:
Documents hold immense power in shaping political narratives and maintaining power. Recent scandals involving politicians like Donald Trump and Boris Johnson demonstrate the significance of documents in managing political narratives. Throughout history, rulers have attempted to control knowledge to exercise power, further emphasizing the importance of document control in politics. Well-maintained paper trails and digital archives are crucial for good governance and an open society, allowing the public to hold those in power accountable and track policy decisions. However, there have been instances of document suppression, highlighting the need for continued vigilance in preserving access to information. A thorough review is required to update guidance and ensure transparency in government affairs. By recognizing and valuing the role of document control, we can strengthen the infrastructure of democracy and prevent the erasure of the past.
An In-Depth Look at the Role of Document Control in Politics and Governance:
Introduction:
In today’s fast-paced political landscape, it has become increasingly evident that documents play a pivotal role in shaping narratives, maintaining power, and controlling knowledge. The scandals involving politicians such as Donald Trump and Boris Johnson highlight the significance attached to managing the document trail. However, this phenomenon is not unique to contemporary politics. Throughout history, rulers have utilized document control to exercise power, suppress dissent, and manipulate historical narratives.
The Historical Perspective:
1. Ashurbanipal’s Seizure of Cuneiform Tablets:
– Ashurbanipal, the ruler of Assyria in the 7th century BCE, actively seized cuneiform tablets from his enemies.
– This deliberate act sought to control the historical narrative and preserve a version of events that aligned with his objectives.
– Ashurbanipal’s actions highlight the enduring link between power and control over information.
2. Henry VIII’s Targeting of Monastic Libraries:
– Henry VIII’s efforts to gather evidence to support his cause during the English Reformation centered around monastic libraries.
– Archives that did not align with his objectives were destroyed, emphasizing the power of manipulating historical records.
– This approach enabled Henry VIII to shape public perception and maintain control over religious and political narratives.
3. Putin’s Attack on Libraries and Archives in Ukraine:
– Modern examples, such as Putin’s targeted attacks on libraries and archives in Ukraine, demonstrate the continued relevance of document control.
– Control over historical narratives serves as a weapon wielded by authoritarian regimes seeking to assert dominance.
– By erasing or manipulating historical records, these leaders aim to reshape public understanding and consolidate power.
The Importance of Record-Keeping in Good Governance:
1. Transparency and Accountability:
– Robust record-keeping is essential for good governance and an open society.
– Well-maintained paper trails and digital archives allow the public to hold politicians, civil servants, and special advisers accountable for their actions.
– Records enable the tracking of policy evolution, highlighting decisions taken during crucial events like the ongoing pandemic.
– They also shed light on inequalities in policy implementation, such as the award of personal protective equipment (PPE) contracts.
2. Empowering the Public:
– Accessible documents enable the public to evaluate the behavior of those in power and make informed judgments.
– This transparency strengthens public trust in institutions and fosters integrity in public life.
– Documents provide evidence that allows the public to hold politicians to account and demand accountability.
Archives as an Essential Component of Democracy:
1. Trump’s Indictment and Johnson’s Resignation:
– Recent examples, such as Trump’s indictment and Johnson’s resignation, highlight the critical role archives play in political decision-making and public perception.
– Both cases demonstrate the power that documents hold, as their actions have had significant repercussions on their political careers.
– Archives ensure the preservation of truth and provide a basis for evaluating the behavior and decisions of political leaders.
2. Suppression of Public Access to Documents:
– Despite the necessity of accessible documents, historical instances remind us that access to information has not always been guaranteed.
– The case of Lewis “Loulou” Harcourt’s war diary, and the suppression of cabinet discussions during the early twentieth century, exemplify this.
– Efforts to preserve and share information, as exemplified by Harcourt’s diary, provide invaluable insights into historical events and decision-making processes.
The Need for Review and Update:
1. Private Messaging Systems and Government Business:
– The rise of private messaging systems poses unique challenges in document control.
– The recent revelations of Matt Hancock’s Covid-era WhatsApp messages underscore the potential dangers of conducting government business through such platforms.
– Updating guidance to ensure that these messages are considered under existing legislation is crucial to preserving the integrity and transparency of government affairs.
2. Adjusting the Ministerial Code:
– A comprehensive review of the ministerial code’s relationship with existing laws, such as the Public Records Act of 1958 and freedom of information legislation, is necessary.
– This review should aim to bridge any gaps and ensure a coherent and transparent framework.
– Parliament must possess the authority to safeguard against the dangers of erasing, manipulating, or obscuring historical truths.
Conclusion:
In an era where documents hold immense power and significance, it is crucial to understand the role of document control in politics and governance. History provides numerous examples of rulers using document control to shape narratives and maintain power. However, record-keeping is equally essential for good governance, transparency, and an informed public. Recent scandals involving politicians highlight the role of archives as an essential infrastructure of democracy. Yet, historical instances of document suppression emphasize the ongoing need for vigilance. A thorough review of existing frameworks and guidance is necessary to adapt to modern challenges, ensuring that the past is not erased and the truth is preserved.
Summary:
Documents play a central role in shaping political narratives and maintaining power. Recent scandals involving politicians like Donald Trump and Boris Johnson underline the importance of document control in politics. However, this phenomenon is not new, as history provides examples of rulers utilizing document control to manipulate narratives. Robust record-keeping is vital for good governance, accountability, and an open society. Well-maintained archives enable the public to hold politicians accountable and track policy decisions. Recent cases demonstrate the significance of archives in political decision-making. Nevertheless, historical cases of document suppression remind us of the need for sustained efforts to preserve access to information. A review of existing frameworks, including private messaging systems, is necessary to ensure transparency. By recognizing the power of documents and prioritizing document control, societies can strengthen democracy and preserve the truth.
Additional Piece:
Understanding the Power of Documents: Unveiling the Hidden Stories
Documents have always played a significant role in shaping our understanding of history, politics, and governance. Behind these seemingly mundane pieces of paper or digital files lie powerful stories that have the potential to change the course of nations. The recent scandals involving political leaders like Donald Trump and Boris Johnson have brought this power to the forefront, forcing us to reckon with the influence documents hold in our lives.
On the surface, documents may appear insignificant, mere records of events or decisions. However, their true power lies in the narratives they reveal, the stories they tell, and the accountability they bring. The ability to control knowledge through document control has been a tool of rulers throughout history. From Ashurbanipal seizing cuneiform tablets to Putin’s attacks on libraries and archives, leaders have understood the power of controlling historical narratives to shape public opinion and consolidate power.
The significance of documents in politics and governance goes beyond managing narratives. Well-maintained archives and record-keeping are the backbone of transparency and accountability. They allow the public to evaluate the behavior of politicians, civil servants, and special advisers, demanding answers to their actions. Without documented evidence, it becomes challenging to hold those in power accountable for their decisions, contributing to distrust and eroding the very foundations of democracy.
The current political landscape exposes us to the dangers of eroding records and manipulative practices. The suppression of public access to documents, as seen in cases like Lewis “Loulou” Harcourt’s war diary, reminds us of the efforts exerted to control the flow of information. As custodians of history, it falls upon institutions like the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford to safeguard and preserve these important records, making them accessible to future generations.
To ensure a healthy democracy and foster an open society, it is crucial to adapt to the evolving nature of communication and information-sharing. The use of private messaging systems
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The writer is head of the Bodleian Library at Oxford University and author of ‘Burning the books: A history of knowledge under attack’
There is a profound irony in the fact that documents – seemingly mundane pieces of paper or digital files – are at the heart of the political turmoil involving Donald Trump and Boris Johnson, two of the most buccaneering and reckless political leaders in recent memory.
Such is the power of the humble document that Trump is now the first president to be indicted for crimes, and Johnson has resigned his seat in parliament rather than be suspended by a parliamentary committee. What sets these cases apart is that both men were trying to use the documents to manage their political narratives. Trump’s use of classified documents of national significance may have had a performative aspect—showing them to his friends and donors after dinner—but storing them in a bathroom underscores his incredible contempt for their sensitivity.
Two points emerge from these scandals. First, these former government leaders – in their pursuit of political dominance and their willingness to break the law to maintain it – are just the latest in a long line of populist and authoritarian leaders who have sought to control knowledge as a means to exercise power.
Ashurbanipal, ruler of Assyria in the seventh century BCE, was prone to forcibly seize cuneiform tablets from his enemies, and Henry VIII targeted monastic libraries to gather evidence to support his cause, while destroying the rest. Putin’s attack on libraries and archives in Ukraine is a reminder that control of historical narrative is a weapon in authoritarianism’s arsenal, along with the missile and the drone.
Second, these incidents underscore the importance of record keeping for good governance and an open society. The populist impulse to control knowledge through erasure and through misinformation and disinformation highlights the role of robust record keeping in showing the public the evidence of how politicians, civil servants and special advisers behave.
A well-maintained paper trail strengthens integrity in public life. Such records track the evolution of public policies (for example, through the pandemic), as well as inequalities in policy implementation (such as the award of PPE contracts). The documents allow the public to hold those in power to account. Both Trump and, to a lesser extent, Johnson demonstrate that archives are an essential part of the infrastructure of democracy.
However, there is an infamous history of suppression of public access to documents. The Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford holds the war diary of Lewis “Loulou” Harcourt, secretary of state for the colonies in the early twentieth century, which traces the debates in the cabinet of Herbert Asquith in the prelude to the First World War and the years of the war itself. It was written on letterhead with the inscription “Colonial Office” and on the back of telegrams from the Foreign Ministry. Asquith did not want cabinet discussions made public, and in 1916 he sent a letter to Harcourt, chastising him for taking notes. “As I have pointed out more than once in the past,” he wrote, “this is a violation of our unwritten law, under which only the Prime Minister has the right to take and keep any records of Cabinet proceedings.”
While David Lloyd George introduced an official cabinet diary in December 1916 when he became prime minister, it lacked the harshness of Harcourt’s prose style. Harcourt’s very human urge not only to communicate, but also to document and preserve, gives us a window into important cabinet debates, which made decisions that affected the lives of an entire population. Matt Hancock’s Covid-era WhatsApp messages – revealed against his wishes – offer an unfiltered look at government crisis management.
I have already warned about the dangers of use private messaging systems to conduct government business and urged the Cabinet Office to update its guidance to ensure these messages were considered under the Public Records Act 1958. We have since seen how these messaging systems have the potential to erode the health of our democracy.
The time has come for a thorough review of the ministerial code, and its relationship to the 1958 law and freedom of information legislation. Most importantly, parliament needs to have its teeth to ensure Orwell’s warning gets through 1984 does not come true: “The past has been erased, the erasure has been forgotten, the lie has become truth.”
https://www.ft.com/content/4ea53e4f-e841-41d5-97ad-3adcdcabde51
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