About this lecture series
Lectures of Opportunity (LOOs) offer U.S. Naval War College (NWC) students, faculty, and staff an opportunity to learn more about national and international socio-political subjects that may be of relevance to the NWC community.
Synopsis
Dr. David Robarge, Chief Historian, Central Intelligence Agency will discuss how counterintelligence historically has been one of the most controversial and misunderstood intelligence activities that the U.S. Government conducts. Every intelligence agency must protect its secrets, track down those who give them to adversaries, and counter the efforts of hostile services.Sometimes, however, the techniques used – such as intrusive investigations, double agents, and deceptions – seem politically and ethically dubious and have been perceived as compromising the very democratic values that are meant to be protected. Also, although espionage and covert action operations cannot be run effectively if they are not protected from compromise and disruption, counterintelligence often has been employed reactively rather than being integral to operational planning. The U.S. Government has tended to oscillate between security stringency and laxity without finding a middle ground that the American people will support over the long term.