Counterintelligence books are a great source of knowledge for new students. You’ll get more out of these non-fiction pieces than any textbook and you’ll get a chance to learn from some of the people who have actually been on the ground. Below are five of the best counterintelligence books out there.
1. Thwarting Enemies at Home and Abroad: How To Be A Counterintelligence Officer
When no less source than the CIA refers to a book as the best introductory primer on Counterintelligence, it’s probably a good idea to give the book a read. While the book was written in the late 1980s and certainly lacks a great deal of the information necessary to discuss cyberwarfare, it’s still a fantastic book that gives students and enthusiasts alike a fantastic overview of what counterintelligence officers actually do. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for a good counterintelligence book or for inside knowledge about the field.
2. Analyzing Intelligence: Origins, Obstacles, And Innovations
If there is a standard textbook for the intelligence community, it’s probably this. George’s book is actually a collection of essays from other experts, and it’s full of the things you want to know if you are intent on studying counterintelligence. While the bulk of the information is on the intelligence community in general, there’s still quite a bit you can learn from this book. Considering it’s used by members of all the major intelligence departments, you should do yourself a favor and read this book .
3. The Craft Of Intelligence: America’s Legendary Spy Master On The Fundamentals of Intelligence Gathering For A Free World
There are few names as well known in the intelligence community as Allen W. Dulles. When the man speaks, it’s a good idea for any student to listen. This is another book that’s considered a necessary text in both the intelligence and counterintelligence communities, and it’s something that absolutely cannot be skipped in your studies. If you want a high-level look at how one of the foundational members of the modern intelligence apparatus views the community at large, this is the book for you.
4. Wilderness of Mirrors
A controversial book, Martin looks at several well-known intelligence cases from the point of view of a counterintelligence operative. While this is a little outside the mainstream, it’s still a book recommended as reading by the CIA. If you are interested in looking at the facts behind some cases you already know and want to see how professionals would react, this is a good read. Sometimes, reading outside of the safe, old choices is the best way to figure out how people really look at the counterintelligence community. Take some time to enjoy this one, especially if you enjoy looking at the holes in history.
5. Spy: The Inside Story of How the FBI’s Robert Hanssen Betrayed America
Sometimes, it’s necessary to study a failure in order to learn from the mistakes of those who came before you. This 2002 book gives a frank analysis of Robert Hanssen’s betrayal of the United States, as well as the hunt to capture him. This is as close to a thrilling read as you’ll get from non-fiction and definitely a book that will put you into the shoes of those who hunted Hanssen. It’s more than worth your time to read this book.
Related Resource: 5 Great Books About the US Navy
If you’ve got the time to study counterintelligence, you’ve got the time to read these books. They’ll teach you about the intelligence community, but they’ll also teach you how to think about the big picture. If you need good counterintelligence books, you need to read everything listed above.
