DAFF 25A77 - The Evolution of the US Intelligence Community since 1947

This course belongs to the field of Intelligence Studies. Its aim is to familiarize undergraduate students with the main actors of American intelligence (agencies, NIE, NSC, etc.) from their origins – most notably the birth of the CIA in 1947- until today. This will be done through a historical analysis of the period, the actors, and the international context. Special attention will be devoted to the impact of intelligence agencies in the conduct of US foreign policy. Finally, the course will try to introduce the main concepts of the intelligence world (clandestine actions, counterespionage, technological innovation, relationship between the decision-maker and the intelligence agency, inter-service cooperation, etc.). In so doing, it will highlight the challenges that American, and more broadly Western agencies, continue to face nowadays.

Fabien LAURENCON

Séminaire

English

Prior knowledge of the American political system and some historical knowledge of the highlights of the Cold War will be a plus.

Spring 2021-2022

An individual oral presentation (45%) and a more technical, historical, or biographical paper on subjects such as specific programs or operation, or emblematic figures of American intelligence of the post-war period (Roberta Wohlstetter, Sherman Kent, Allen Dulles, Aldrich Ames, etc.) (45%). Participation in and commitment to the course will account for the remaining 10% of the final grade.