Ethics of Spying: A Reader for the Intelligence Professional

With the multiple scandals surrounding the torture of detainees at Abu Ghraib and elsewhere, the so-called "extraordinary rendition" program, and National Security Agency warrantless surveillance in the news, the ethics (or lack thereof) of intelligence is probably under more public scrutiny than at any time since the Church Committee hearings of the 1970s. The 23 papers presented in this collection are considered by editor Goldman (ethics and intelligence, Joint Military Intelligence College) to form the beginnings of an effort to develop a standardized code of ethics for intelligence professionals so that "ethics and intelligence" will be taken seriously rather than relegated to jokes about oxymorons. A number of opening essays consider the broad issues of ethics and espionage. Remaining essays include an "ethical defense of torture in interrogation;" consideration of the politicization of intelligence; discussions of the ethics of covert actions; and explorations of the role of sociologists, anthropologists, and businessmen in intelligence activities. Annotation c2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Jan Goldman teaches ethics and intelligence at the Joint Military Intelligence College in Washington, D.C., and is a lecturer at other government agencies and schools. He is the author and editor of numerous publications, including the recently declassified Anticipating Surprise: Analysis for Strategic Warning, and a field manual on counter-insurgency operations.