Counterintelligence
These materials provide insight into some of the most infamous counterintelligence cases in recent U.S. history involving the FBI, the CIA, and the State Department. In your reading, consider carefully whether we understand what motivated these individuals. Do we have a clear idea of the damage that was done from their espionage? What are the lessons learned we can derive from these cases?
Read:
- “Former State Department Official and Wife Plead Guilty in 30 Year Espionage Conspiracy,”Links to an external site. November 20, 2009 Press Release, Office of Public Affairs, U.S. Department of Justice.
- David Wise, “Thirty Years Later, We Still Don’t Truly Know Who Betrayed These Spies,” Smithsonian Magazine,Links to an external site.November 2015.
Watch: “The Secret Life of Robert Hanssen,” 60 Minutes, December 16, 2001.
Extended Knowledge: BreachLinks to an external site. For those of you interested in the case of Robert Hanssen, you might be interested in Hollywood’s take on the events leading up to his arrest in the 2007 film “Breach.” "Eric O'Neill, a computer specialist who wants to be made an agent is assigned to clerk for Robert Hanssen, a senior agent with 25 years in the FBI, and to write down everything Hanssen does. O'Neill's told it's an investigation of Hanssen's sexual habits, however Hanssen is really suspected of spying for the Soviet Union and Russia for years and being responsible for the deaths of agents working for the United States." |
How to approach case study work in this course:
- Read and watch the case study materials. The case studies have been chosen as the most relevant and impactful examples of course topics.
- Answer prompt 1 and either prompt 2 or 3 below in Canvas by Thursday before moving to the YellowDig Discussions.
- The Yellowdig Discussion will ask you dig deeper into the cases and further
Answer prompt 1 and either prompt 2 or 3:
- After finishing the case study, what are your conclusions regarding the threat of counterintelligence? Do you think adequate measures have been taken to address this threat? In your opinion, what more could be done?
- Respond to a colleague’s observations from your own perspective. There are no right or wrong answers.
- Find another case study or resource related to your, or your classmates’, postings and expand on its relevance.
Important:
- Use a line break between the two sections you select for easy distinction.
- Bold any key words or topics and be specific about the topic, subject or question you are writing about.
- Read the rubric. Be specific and complete in your thoughts and extend the conversation in your replies.