Keeping Us Safe: Secret Intelligence and Homeland Security

By Arthur S. Hulnick

Book Overview

How can the United States guard against a clever unknown enemy while still preserving the freedoms it holds dear? Hulnick explains the need to revamp U.S. intelligence operations from a system focused on a single Cold War enemy to one offering more flexibility in combating non-state actors (including terrorists, spies, and criminals) like those responsible for the attacks of September 11, 2001. Offering possible solutions not to be found in the federal commission's official report, Hulnick's groundbreaking work examines what is really necessary to make intelligence and homeland security more efficient and competent, both at within the United States and abroad.

The U.S. government's progress in establishing a system for homeland security is considerable, yet, besides shifts in alert status, most U.S. residents are unaware of the work being done to keep them safe. Describing the system already in place, Hulnick adds further ideas about what more is needed to protect Americans in the ever-changing world of intelligence. To create a truly valuable program, it is suggested the the United States consider not only new strategies and tactics, but also the need to break down the barriers between intelligence agencies and law enforcement.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0275981509
• ISBN13: 9780275981501
• Release Date: August 2004
• Publisher: Praeger
• Length: 264 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.3" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Covers the foundations of secret intelligence efforts

How can the United States guard against terrorists? Arthur S. Hulnick's Keeping Us Safe: Secret Intelligence And Homeland Security covers the foundations of secret intelligence efforts and homeland security issues alike, explaining the need to revamp US intelligence operations to one more flexible in handling modern terrorist activities. The U.S. government's progress in establishing homeland security processes has been considerable, but more work is needed - and more adjustment of systems: Hulnick shows just where work should be revised to create a valuable program with new strategies and tactics.

Great easy read with well researched details

I was fortunate enough to study under Art Hulnick as an undergraduate. He is a fascinating man with an intelligence background that started in the Air Force intelligence, then moved to the CIA where he stayed for about 30 years. He told some great stories about how George Bush Sr (when he was Director of Central Intelligence) would visit his office and sit on the corner of his desk. He is now (I certainly think) one of the best professors that Boston University has and is still an active leader in the examination of the intelligence process. If you have an interest in how the intelligence community works, what is going on with it now, or want to take your love of Spy movies to the academic level, this is a great read. It is not dry, but instead a great source of information without being sensationalist. This is a well written book, and it is CURRENT, which is a priority for me. In ten years though the explanations it lays out and the issues it addresses will still be relevant.