Vaults, Mirrors, and Masks: Rediscovering U.S. Counterintelligence

Decision makers matching wits with an adversary want intelligence―good, relevant information to help them win. Intelligence can gain these advantages through directed research and analysis, agile collection, and the timely use of guile and theft. Counterintelligence is the art and practice of defeating these endeavors. Its purpose is the same as that of positive intelligence―to gain advantage―but it does so by exploiting, disrupting, denying, or manipulating the intelligence activities of others. The tools of counterintelligence include security systems, deception, and disguise: vaults, mirrors, and masks.

In one indispensable volume, top practitioners and scholars in the field explain the importance of counterintelligence today and explore the causes of―and practical solutions for―U.S. counterintelligence weaknesses. These experts stress the importance of developing a sound strategic vision in order to improve U.S. counterintelligence and emphasize the challenges posed by technological change, confused purposes, political culture, and bureaucratic rigidity. Vaults, Mirrors, and Masks skillfully reveals that robust counterintelligence is vital to ensuring America's security.

Published in cooperation with the Center for Peace and Security Studies and the George T. Kalaris Memorial Fund, Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University.

Jennifer E. Sims is professor in residence, director of intelligence studies, and member of the core faculty with the Security Studies Program, Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University. She has served as deputy assistant secretary of state for intelligence coordination and as the Department of State’s first coordinator for intelligence resources and planning. She has also served on the staff of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

Burton Gerber served for 39 years as an operations officer in the Central Intelligence Agency and now teaches at Georgetown University.