Former intelligence officers Sims and Gerber (Georgetown U.) introduce 13 essays by practitioners and scholars in the field that treat America's counterintelligence challenges posed by lack of a strong strategic vision, bureaucratic rigidity, and technological change. The evolving role of state and local law enforcement in homeland security, protection of civil liberties, and lessons from the past are among the issues addressed. Published in cooperation with the Center for Peace and Security Studies and the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown U., this volume is a follow-up to Transforming U.S. Intelligence, 2006. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Read More
Decision makers matching wits with an adversary want intelligence—good, relevant information to help them win. Intelligence can gain these advantages through directed research and analysis, agile collection, and the timely use of guile and theft. Counterintelligence is the art and practice of defeating these endeavors. Its purpose is the same as that of positive intelligence—to gain advantage—but it does so by exploiting, disrupting, denying, or manipulating the intelligence activities of others. The tools of counterintelligence include security systems, deception, and disguise: vaults, mirrors, and masks.In one indispensable volume, top practitioners and scholars in the field explain the importance of counterintelligence today and explore the causes of—and practical solutions for—U.S. counterintelligence weaknesses. These experts stress the importance of developing a sound strategic vision in order to improve U.S. counterintelligence and emphasize the challenges posed by technological change, confused purposes, political culture, and bureaucratic rigidity. Vaults, Mirrors, and Masks skillfully reveals that robust counterintelligence is vital to ensuring America's security.Published in cooperation with the Center for Peace and Security Studies and the George T. Kalaris Memorial Fund, Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University.
Read Less