Secret Intelligence and Covert Action: Consensus in an Open Society

Abstract

Consensus on clandestine human intelligence (HUMINT) and covert action has fluctuated since the 1970s, when controversial government activities were exposed to the public. A critical debate ensued over the principal issues of propriety, accountability, and secrecy. Assertive congressional oversight developed, and sharp political confrontation replaced bipartisan consensus. HUMINT and covert action declined during the 1970s. Covert action increased in the early 1980s, but HUMINT lagged behind. Post-Cold War defense budget reductions have changed the intelligence debate to emphasize reform for cost- effectiveness. Although HUMINT and covert action are relatively inexpensive, their questioned effectiveness has resulted in scrutiny. Most authorities see covert action as a capability to be kept in readiness for rare occasions when its use is clearly appropriate. Because of low cost and increased requirements, most reformers urge revitalization of HUMINT.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 19, 1993
Accession Number
ADA263911

Entities

People

  • John C. Green

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Civil Rights
  • Cold War
  • Congress
  • Employment
  • Government Procurement
  • Governments
  • Human Intelligence
  • Intelligence Collection
  • Intelligence Cycle
  • International Law
  • Law
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Political Systems
  • Surveillance
  • United States
  • War Colleges

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Government and Public Administration Law.
  • Nuclear Non-Proliferation and International Security
  • Strategic Security Studies