US Intel: Blunders, PolitRefm

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

In this seminar, we will examine the blunders, politics, and institutional reform efforts that have shaped the conduct of U.S. intelligence activity. This course will trace the evolution and arc of U.S. intelligence authorities, activities, and oversight across four overarching themes: (1) intelligence-related blunders and scandals that have been exposed by and shaped Congress’ oversight and investigative authorities and functions; (2) the use and misuse of intelligence analysis, activities, and authorities to inform and influence foreign policy; (3) counterintelligence authorities and activity to counter foreign influence that can also be wielded against perceived opponents domestically; and (4) the benefits and risks of abuse of surveillance tools and emerging technology. During the semester, students will immerse themselves in historical and contemporary case studies and debates – from intelligence scandals that birthed modern congressional oversight of the U.S. Intelligence Community to more recent allegations of intelligence overreach, politicization, and abuse – to interrogate the role of politics, law, ethics, and transparency in the conduct of U.S. intelligence. The seminar will also carry forward those debates to examine how emerging technology is primed to shape U.S. intelligence activity moving forward and weigh the benefits and risks of new, proliferating commercial technologies, including spyware and artificial intelligence. Throughout the seminar, students will engage in interactive projects designed to draw key lessons from past and recent case studies and will be tasked with developing new policy and institutional reform proposals to adapt to a changing political and technological landscape and guard against future abuses. In doing so, students will steep themselves in primary policy and legal documents that guide the U.S. Intelligence Community, including key statutes, Executive Orders, National Security Memoranda, and Intelligence Community Directives, to assess their effectiveness, identify gaps and grey areas that have or could be exploited, and inform new policies and reforms.