The Dilemma of Covert Action

Abstract

Covert actions, an important component of our nation's foreign policy, are approved and conducted in secret. Since they are not normally subject to public scrutiny, the ethical values and legal constraints by which they are managed and conducted are of vital importance. This study explores covert action from an ethical or moral standpoint, examines its compatibility with American democratic ideals, constitutional legality, and the justification or requirement for its use. Several case studies on recently publicized covert activities are also examined to illustrate the problems inherent in such operations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 20, 1989
Accession Number
ADA209583

Entities

People

  • Alan K. Strait

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Case Studies
  • Central America
  • Congress
  • Executives
  • Foreign Policy
  • Governments
  • Law
  • Military Operations
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Public Policy
  • Security
  • Societies
  • Terrorists
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Government and Public Administration Law.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Nuclear Non-Proliferation and International Security