Legacy of Ashes? Part I

Dec 9, 2008

This symposium hosted by Boston University and the Carnegie Council discusses "Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA," Tim Weiner’s exposé on the CIA's mismanagement and failures.

Hosted at Boston University by Boston University's International History Institute and the Carnegie Council.

Joel Rosenthal, president of the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs, introduced this symposium on the book Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA, Tim Weiner’s exposé on the mismanagement and failures of the Central Intelligence Agency.

William R. Keylor, a BU professor of international relations and history, then presented a summary of the key arguments in Weiner’s book, including charges that the CIA repeatedly failed in its mission to gather intelligence.

In response, former CIA agent Arthur S. Hulnick offered a counterargument in defense of the agency, saying Weiner’s book largely ignored the context of the information presented and played to the belief that writing about failures and scandals is the only way to get a story on page one.

And CIA Executive in Residence Joseph Wippl conceded the CIA has faults in both its organization and its historical activities, but he argued that similar critiques could be made of any large institution, including The New York Times, where Weiner is a Pulitzer Prize–winning reporter.

Elbridge A. Colby of the RAND Corporation discussed relevant issues in intelligence and policymaking. He argued that contrary to popular understanding, intelligence operations are limited in their abilities. He said national security strategies that depend heavily on intelligence are irresponsible, and he emphasized the inherently unpredictable nature of the international political scene.

You may also like

NOV 28, 2023 Podcast

AI and Consumers, with Helena Leurent

In this far-reaching conversation, Consumer International's Helena Laurent and Senior Fellow Wendell Wallach outline the challenges that AI poses to consumers.

NOV 16, 2023 Podcast

Ethics, with Christian Hunt

In this episode, host Hilary Sutcliffe explores ethics from another angle, with Christian Hunt, author of "Humanizing Rules: Bringing Behavioural Science to Ethics and Compliance."

NOV 15, 2023 Podcast

Beijing Rules: How China Weaponized Its Economy to Confront the World, with Bethany Allen

As Xi and Biden meet in San Francisco, "Axios" reporter Bethany Allen joined "The Doorstep" to discuss the rise of authoritarian capitalism in China.

Not translated

This content has not yet been translated into your language. You can request a translation by clicking the button below.

Request Translation