Here is a look at how intelligence and counterintelligence activities have helped shape world events, primarily in a historical context but also in contemporary times.
In a straightforward alphabetical arrangement, the encyclopedia presents more than 420 entries on people, places, and organizations. All the standard stuff is here, including information on the various types of intelligence gathering--HUMINT, SIGINT, MASINT. Readers will also learn about methods and tools for gathering intelligence, from early historical codes to satellite collection methods. Of most interest are the entries for selected U.S. presidents and the intelligence issues of their administrations. Country entries discuss the development, strength, and power of intelligence organizations in countries from Afghanistan to Zaire. These are all useful introductory articles to get a researcher started. The more than 420 entries range in length from a half column in a two-column page to several pages. Articles are signed by their contributors and include see also references and a bibliography of resources. Because there are multiple contributors, the writing style varies, and in some cases, such as Canada, an awkward style creates ambiguities.
Prior to the entries is an alphabetical list of articles. A classified list would also have been useful. Also preceding the A-Z portion of the volume is a "Timeline of Intelligence" from 1294 B.C.E. to the present. Readers not familiar with events may be puzzled by some of the references here. For example, the term "Family Jewels" is used in the entry for 1973-1975, but there is no entry for Family Jewels in the index that would point to additional information. Following the A-Z section is a "Resource Guide" listing books, articles, and Internet sites and an appendix with extracts from The 9/11 Commission Report.
This is an introductory work. Polishing in the next edition will help clear up some of the ambiguities in this edition. Of use in public libraries where this topic is of interest and in those academic institutions where course work on intelligence security and policy is taught. Terri Tomchyshyn
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Product Description
From references to secret agents in The Art of War in 400 B.C.E. to the Bush administration's ongoing War on Terrorism, espionage has always been an essential part of state security policies. This illustrated encyclopedia traces the fascinating stories of spies, intelligence, and counterintelligence throughout history, both internationally and in the United States. Written specifically for students and general readers by scholars, former intelligence officers, and other experts, Encyclopedia of Intelligence and Counterintelligence provides a unique background perspective for viewing history and current events. In easy-to-understand, non-technical language, it explains how espionage works as a function of national policy; traces the roots of national security; profiles key intelligence leaders, agents, and double-agents; discusses intelligence concepts and techniques; and profiles the security organizations and intelligence history and policies of nations around the world. As a special feature, the set also includes forewords by former CIA Director Robert M. Gates and former KGB Major General Oleg Kalugin that help clarify the evolution of intelligence and counterintelligence and their crucial roles in world affairs today.
