U.S. Foreign Intelligence: From George Washington to the Present Day (In-person)
Fall (14 hours or more) | Registration opens 7/29/2025 12:00 AM EDT
The U.S. has a very uneven history in understanding the value of intelligence and its use in formulating foreign policy and in winning and losing wars. We will carefully study the successes, failures, and abuses of intelligence by both policy makers and the intelligence agencies themselves during the American Revolution, WWI, WWII, the Cold War and the present day. Special attention will be paid to the laws and presidential directives providing authorities, boundaries, and oversight for US intelligence activities and to instances of conflict and tension between the Intelligence Community and policy makers.
The course will be a combination of lectures and group discussions.
Although not required, it is recommended that class members read the book listed below prior to and during the course.
Bill Sullivan
Bill Sullivan served for 36 years as an intelligence analyst, linguist, and senior executive with the National Security Agency, including detached service tours with the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Policy and Chairmanship of the DCI’s National Signals Intelligence Committee. Following retirement he served as a professional staff officer on the Congressional/Presidential Commission on the Roles and Capabilities of the U.S. Intelligence Community