Vaults, Mirrors, and Masks: Rediscovering U.S. Counterintelligence [Paperback]

Jennifer E. Sims (Editor, Preface), Burton Gerber (Editor, Preface)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 17, 2008 | ISBN-10: 1589012674 | ISBN-13: 978-1589012677 | Edition: 1

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The scope of the articles is such that both the counterintelligence expert and neophyte will gain greater understanding of the challenges of this intelligence field. [A] must-read for anyone who is serious about intelligence reorganization and the use of counterintelligence for more than just spy catching." -- International Journal of Intelligence Ethics

"The most thorough, balanced, and sensible collection of essays now available on counterintelligence issues." -- Richard K. Betts, director, Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies, Columbia University

About the Author

Jennifer E. Sims is professor in residence, director of intelligence studies, and member of the core faculty with the Security Studies Program, Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University. She has served as deputy assistant secretary of state for intelligence coordination and as the Department of State's first coordinator for intelligence resources and planning. She has also served on the staff of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.Burton Gerber served for 39 years as an operations officer in the Central Intelligence Agency and now teaches at Georgetown University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Georgetown University Press; 1 edition (December 17, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589012674
• ISBN-13: 978-1589012677
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #88,955 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Robert Wallace, also publishes under the name Bob Wallace, and in the days ahead will enter more biographic information on this site. Some of it might be interesting, other parts true.

Look for his popular new book, THE OFFICIAL CIA MANUAL OF TRICKERY AND DECEPTION, co-authored with H. Keith Melton, that was released in November 2009.

For more information, visit his websites www.ciaspycraft.com, www.ciamagic.com or www.artemuscg.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Theories without Substance, March 29, 2009

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Retired Reader (New Mexico) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Vaults, Mirrors, and Masks: Rediscovering U.S. Counterintelligence (Paperback)

The late General William E. Odom (U.S.A. ret)wrote a quite good book on intelligence reform, "Fixing Intelligence" (Yale 1997) in which he argued among other things that the U.S. Counter-Intelligence (CI)program was entirely dysfunctional and needed to be completely rebuilt. This book does not support this claim, but rather argues that the U.S. often relegates CI to the back burner and thereby increases the threats to national security in an increasingly chaotic post-Cold War world.

The book is a compilation of essays by scholars and former senior officials concerned with U.S. National Security issues. Although one of its sub-sections is entitled, "Tools and Tactics" the book is not really concerned with substantive CI operational issues. It does good service by establishing the theoretical background for CI organization and operations and the strategic considerations that should inform the implementation of CI programs. A central theme that one can find running through the book's essays is that that CI is a rubric that covers not only countering foreign human spying, but also incorporates computer and communications network security, including information assurance. Another focus is on offensive CI operations including deception, double agents, and active operations against foreign CI agencies. This book would be a good text with which to begin a serious look at upgrading U.S. CI capability, but lacks the depth to develop any structural and cultural changes to the CI arena.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quite Simply a Must Read, October 17, 2009

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M.L. (East Lansing, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vaults, Mirrors, and Masks: Rediscovering U.S. Counterintelligence (Paperback)

Gerber is an incredibly knowledgeable source on the world of intelligence. This book is an excellent addition to the current dialog on transforming U.S. counterintelligence which has never been more important than today. Vaults, Mirrors, & Masks takes true (as opposed to hyped) experts from the field and adeptly addresses the unique and pressing counterintelligence challenges facing the U.S. Intelligence Community today. This critical area is one that Gerber is well suited as editor given his major role in intelligence operations against the USSR during his decades long career in operations at the Agency.

Simply put, this is a must read for those interested in intelligence. Highly recommended.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Deeply Insightful, May 2, 2009

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Lani Held - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Vaults, Mirrors, and Masks: Rediscovering U.S. Counterintelligence (Paperback)

In an era of inevitable globalizaton, this book is as insightful for corporate leaders as it is for government officials. Chapter 8 by Sandia National Lab Fellow Jim Gosler, is the most penetrating assessment available of cyber counterintelligence issues facing America. Chapter 13, by former senior State Department official Jennifer Sims and retired CIA officer Burton Gerber provides a compelling overview of all the key issues plus recommendations on a path forward. Burton Gerber is the giant of 20th century American espionage.