America's Secret Power: The CIA in a Democratic Society
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Book Overview
Based on hundreds of interviews with CIA officials, national security experts, and legislators, as well as a thorough culling of the archival record, America's Secret Power offers an illuminating and up-to-date picture of the CIA, stressing the difficult balance between the genuine needs of national security and the protection of individual liberties. Loch Johnson, who has studied the workings of the CIA at first hand as a legislative overseer, presents a comprehensive examination of the Agency and its relations with other American institutions, including Congress and the White House, and looks closely at how it pursues its three major missions--intelligence analysis, counterintelligence, and covert action.
At once fascinating and sobering, Johnson's book reveals how the best intelligence reports can be distorted or ignored; how covert actions can spin out of control despite extensive safeguards, as in the Iran-Contra scandal; and how the CIA has spied on American citizens in clear violation of its charter. Further, he provides a thorough review of legislative efforts to curb these abuses, and suggests several important ways to achieve the delicate balance between national security and democratic ideals.
At once fascinating and sobering, Johnson's book reveals how the best intelligence reports can be distorted or ignored; how covert actions can spin out of control despite extensive safeguards, as in the Iran-Contra scandal; and how the CIA has spied on American citizens in clear violation of its charter. Further, he provides a thorough review of legislative efforts to curb these abuses, and suggests several important ways to achieve the delicate balance between national security and democratic ideals.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0195069447
ISBN13:9780195069440
Release Date:March 1991
Publisher:Oxford University Press
Length:368 Pages
Weight:1.30 lbs.
Dimensions:1.0" x 6.2" x 9.3"
Related Subjects
20th Century Behavioral Sciences Cognitive Cognitive Psychology Espionage Health, Fitness & Dieting Health, Fitness & Dieting National National & International Security Political Science Politics & Government Politics & Social Sciences Psychology Psychology & Counseling Social Sciences True Accounts True CrimeCustomer Reviews
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