A recent scholarly work, “The Spy and the State: The History of American Intelligence” by Jeffrey P. Rogg, provides an extensive historical examination of US intelligence operations. This comprehensive book delves into the complex evolution of American espionage from its foundational roots during the War for Independence through pivotal historical eras, extending to the early years of the Biden administration. Rogg, an academic with significant ties to US military and intelligence institutions, leverages his vast knowledge and likely privileged access to contacts, offering a depth of insight rarely found in similar historical analyses.

The narrative meticulously dissects key historical watersheds, including the Civil War, the dawn of overseas colonization, and the major World Wars, culminating in a thorough exploration of the Cold War and the three decades following the Soviet Union’s dissolution. While comprehensive and well-sourced, Rogg’s approach to US intelligence history distinguishes itself by being less overtly critical than works by figures like Philip Agee or Victor Marchetti. Instead, his critiques primarily target internal systemic flaws, inter-agency rivalries, and instances of political manipulation by administrations and congressional bodies, exemplified by events such as the Iran-Contra Affair.

However, the book’s analytical objectivity appears to waver in specific sections, notably in the chapter titled “The Executive Strikes Back,” which scrutinizes the Reagan presidency. Rogg’s portrayal of Central American conflicts, for instance, reintroduces questionable anti-communist narratives, asserting, for example, that Nicaragua’s Sandinistas funded the FMLN in El Salvador. These claims have been widely disputed by more impartial observers who questioned the Sandinistas’ capabilities and resources during a period of intense internal struggle against US-backed forces.

Similarly, Rogg’s assessment of the CIA’s involvement in Afghanistan as a “success” for its role in the Soviet defeat is highly contentious, particularly from a contemporary 2025 perspective. Such an assertion appears disingenuous and even offensive, given the profound and devastating long-term consequences endured by Afghanistan and its population since those operations were undertaken. A critical examination of these historical events reveals a more nuanced, and often tragic, reality beyond simple Cold War victory narratives.

Following the Cold War’s conclusion, public discourse in the United States increasingly questioned the necessity and scope of its intelligence apparatus. Many liberal and leftist thinkers even entertained the prospect of dismantling agencies like the CIA or significantly scaling back the NSA. Yet, contrary to expectations, the US military and intelligence sectors swiftly identified and cultivated new adversaries, laying the groundwork for enduring conflicts that would define the ensuing decades.

This strategic shift culminated a decade later with the advent of the so-called global war on terror, an enduring conflict that proved to be a veritable paradise for war profiteers and a boon for increasingly paranoid government agencies. The CIA, in particular, expanded its operational footprint to an unprecedented degree, engaging in more direct warfare than even the military, often with unwavering support from the White House and a majority in Congress. This expansion invariably led to tragic civilian casualties in regions targeted by these widespread operations.

Concurrently, the National Security Agency (NSA) experienced exponential budget growth, mirroring the rapid expansion of its surveillance capabilities, which were profoundly enhanced by advancements in computer and communications technology. This surge in digital espionage raised significant concerns regarding privacy and the reach of government oversight, reflecting a growing tension between national security imperatives and individual liberties within a technologically advanced society.

Ultimately, while “The Spy and the State” does not function as an exposé or a direct indictment of the entire US intelligence complex, nor does it fundamentally challenge the core objectives of its operations, it nevertheless provides an invaluable, deep historical dive. The book illuminates the frequently anti-democratic nature of US espionage and covert operations, detailing how powerful factions have historically leveraged these agencies for their own strategic ends, often at the direct expense of sovereign nations, popular movements, and countless innocent individuals. It is a vital resource for anyone seeking to understand the intricate mindset and pervasive influence of US intelligence throughout modern history.