Deep State: Inside the Government Secrecy Industry
Marc Ambinder (Author)
Publisher: Trade Paper Press
Publication Date: April 1, 2013
Print Length: 336 pages
Description:
Hidden within the United States is a secret country formed from an astonishing number of government-held secrets and the growing ranks of those who protect them. This book provides a detailed dissection of the government secrecy industry, revealing its private language of codes and acronyms, arcane rules, and its self-perpetuating nature. It explores how this system justifies itself through subterfuge and deception to preserve American values.
The book delves into critical topics such as:
- The fullest account to date of the National Security Agency’s controversial surveillance program initiated post-9/11
- President Obama’s efforts to balance his liberal instincts with executive power, including his use of the state secrets doctrine
- The impact of public access to information on the secrecy industry and a full account of WikiLeaks’ influence
- The effect of increased exposure of secrets on various agencies and operations, from Congressional budgets to military and intelligence activities
- An assessment of formal and informal mechanisms designed to protect citizens from abuses by the American deep state and potential reforms needed
Written by two respected national security journalists, this book offers a comprehensive look at the government secrecy industry’s challenges and the broader implications for American democracy.
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