Contrary to popular misconceptions and public branding as "dirty tricks;" covert action and counterintelligence can have considerable value. Democracies; while wary of these instruments; have benefited significantly from their use; saving lives; treasure; and gaining strategic advantage. As liberal democracies confront the post-Cold War mix of rogue states and non-state actors; such as criminals and terrorists; and weapons of mass destruction and mass disruption; these clandestine arts may prove to be important tools of statecraft; and perhaps trump cards in the twenty-first century.Godson defines covert action as influencing events in other parts of the world without attribution; and counterintelligence as identifying; neutralizing; and exploiting the secret activities of others. Together they provide the capability to resist manipulation and control others to advantage. Counterintelligence protects U.S. military; technological; and diplomatic secrets and turns adversary intelligence to U.S. advantage. Covert action enables the United States to weaken adversaries and to assist allies who may be hampered by open acknowledgment of foreign support.Drawing on contemporary and historical literature; broad-ranging contacts with senior intelligence officials in many countries; as well as his own research and experience as a longtime consultant to the U.S. government; Godson traces the history of U.S. covert action and counterintelligence since 1945; showing that covert action works well when it is part of a well-coordinated policy and when policy makers are committed to succeeding in the long-term. Godson argues that the best counterintelligence is an offensive defense. His exposition of the essential theoretical foundations of both covert action and counterintelligence; supported by historical examples; lays out the ideal conditions for their use; as well as demonstrating why they are so difficult to attain.This book will be of interest to students and general readers interested in political science; national security; foreign policy; and military policy.
#375248 in Books Forge Books 2005-06-01 2005-05-12Ingredients: Example IngredientsFormat: Deckle EdgeOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.74 x .86 x 5.22l; #File Name: 0765310651224 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Surgeon; battlefield hero; and so much moreBy Chess2016Dr. Walker was an intense; driven; and totally dedicated person. She refused to allow the prejudices of the time to arrest her determination to serve the wounded as a physician. A contemporary of other giants of patient care; such as Dorothea Dix and Clara Barton; she worked at Indiana Hospital for no pay as a assistant surgeon. She served in field hospitals; arranged transports for the wounded; and worked with soldiers whose injuries did not require amputation to threaten and promise retaliation if their limbs were amputated. Dismissed as a quack by conventional doctors who found her views on personal hygiene and sanitation outlandish. Her award of the Medal of Honor was annulled in 1915 by a board of retired generals who had no knowledge of the selfless sacrifices made for the soldiers wounded in combat. Her refusal to be beaten to the ground despite insult after rejection makes Dr. Mary Walker one of the bravest and selfless contributors to the medical service of any war.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A good history of Mary Edwards Walker: Above and BeyondBy L. S. BrooksOf all the books I've read on the subject of Mary E Walker; this is probably the best researched bio on Ms. Walker. The author took the time to provide many of the details I've had to research to get the correct facts. There are so many myths surrounding the woman.Well written and a must if you are going to write about or learn about Mary Walker.....its not perfect; but just about there.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. InterestingBy CustomerI have read countless books and journals of the Civil War era. This particular person was new to me; and after these years of reading something new is hard to find. I enjoyed it.
