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Agents of Repression: The FBI's Secret Wars Against the Black Panther Party & the American Indian Movement
Book by Churchill, Ward, Vander Wall, Jim
509 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1988
27 people are currently reading
3751 people want to read
About the author
Ward Churchill
57 books138 followersWard Churchill (Keetowah Cherokee) has achieved an unparalleled reputation as a scholar-activist and analyst of indigenous issues. He was a Professor of American Indian Studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder, from 1990 till 2007; a leading member of the American Indian Movement (AIM); and has been a delegate to the U.N. Working Group on Indigenous Populations. He is the author of numerous books, including A Little Matter of Genocide, Fantasies of the Master Race, and Struggle for the Land.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 9, 2010
If you wanted to make a case that the FBI are often worse criminals than the actual criminals and serve more as a thuggish Orwellian political police than look no further than this book. Its more or less impossible to deny that the FBI time and time again has comitted and instigated sociopathic criminal behavior up to and including multiple murders. Most of Agents of Repression focuses on what was done in their campaign against the American Indian Movement in the 1970s and 1980s. There is also quite a bit about what the FBI pulled against the Black Panthers and a little bit dealing with labor unions, Puerto Rican secessionists and some general history of the FBI. Its a very well documented book, so even with the obvious bias that someone like Ward Churchill, who is/was a coordinator for AIM and is one of these weird white guys that pretends they are an Amerindian, the facts speak for themselves.
October 18, 2025
Hard to think of a more relevant book to read in 2025. On the one hand, so much of the abuse of power, vindictive political repression, and impunity for lawlessness in the US security services has only gotten worse in the 35 years since this was published. 9/11 ushered in the public consent for a police state that has only cemented itself as permanent and omnipresent in our lives. Most of those persecuted in the 60s, 70s, and 80s never saw justice, with some dying behind bars for crimes they didn't commit. And the idea that our existing "democratic" institutions would ever be responsive to public pressure, much less hold state criminals accountable, is laughable.
On the other hand, armed with this history we can see how we've arrived here and that our moment of repression is not unprecedented. In some ways it is also hopeful, because in comparison to some of the grand programs of secret authoritarian abuse of the period described in this text, the leaders of today's fascism are vastly inferior thinkers. If our organizations draw from the lessons of our elders and how they kept up the struggle, we can build off them and grow the movement that finally smashes the regime of racist terror necessary to maintain US capitalism. But to overcome our history, we first have to actually know it, so I'm grateful this book and others like it exist.
On the other hand, armed with this history we can see how we've arrived here and that our moment of repression is not unprecedented. In some ways it is also hopeful, because in comparison to some of the grand programs of secret authoritarian abuse of the period described in this text, the leaders of today's fascism are vastly inferior thinkers. If our organizations draw from the lessons of our elders and how they kept up the struggle, we can build off them and grow the movement that finally smashes the regime of racist terror necessary to maintain US capitalism. But to overcome our history, we first have to actually know it, so I'm grateful this book and others like it exist.
June 14, 2013
Excellent book. Abundance of source material. This book begins with a history of the FBI. Then the book continues with the FBI involvement with the Black Panther Party and the American Indian Movement. The books main focus is on the role of the FBI as political police and the tactics and strategies the FBI uses to undermine all opposition movements to the status quo.
Very informative.
Very informative.
February 9, 2015
An expose of the federal government's Cointelpro program to discredit, dismantle and destroy both the Black Panther Party and AIM (American Indian Movement) during the 1960s and early 70s. Unfortunately, the FBI succeeded, and by 1975 most of the leadership of both these radical organizations were jailed, self-exiled or murdered. A must-read for all who care about social change in this country. This is our history. Two thumbs up.
October 7, 2019
I read it back in the 90's and just now
ran across my copy today. It is an invaluable reference. Details how the US secret police have affected history, crushing movements by turning people against each other. It is still happening today, in more sophisticated forms.
ran across my copy today. It is an invaluable reference. Details how the US secret police have affected history, crushing movements by turning people against each other. It is still happening today, in more sophisticated forms.
March 1, 2011
I worked through the Black Panther Party section (about a third of the book) before running out of time. I hope to come bath to Churchill's analysis of the FBI's repression of Native American resistance. Churchill weaves a pretty convincing narrative of government crookedness, and he doesn't disguise his biases. The thing is, the book is so thoroughly annotated that any argument you pick with Mr. Churchill, you also have to pick with his sources, which are numerous and sometimes arcane. The one negative thing I found was Churchill's prose, which was often less than lucid. My least favorite tick of his were constant references to details he had yet to explain, accompanied by the parenthetical direction: "(see later)." My favorite tick was how much pleasure you could see him taking in (again) parenthetically outlining the sad plights of FBI informants: "(currently serving a life term for murder)."
November 24, 2019
An essential read.
June 1, 2023
Ward was a guest at the book club I was the host of : https://youtu.be/xFXto_W_6Q0
Ward Churchill' and Jim Vanderbilt Wall-“Agents of Repression: The FBI's Secret War Against the Black Panthers and the American Indian Movement" is a masterfully organized and deeply insightful work that sheds light on a dark chapter in American history. The book is a testament to Churchill's meticulous attention to detail, his rigorous research, and his ability to weave together a complex narrative in a clear and compelling manner.
One of the most impressive aspects of the book is the way in which Churchill structures his analysis. He begins by providing a concise but comprehensive overview of the FBI's history and mission, which sets the stage for a nuanced understanding of the agency's actions against the Black Panthers and AIM. From there, Churchill carefully traces the evolution of the FBI's surveillance programs, highlighting the ways in which they were shaped by political and social factors. He also provides detailed accounts of the FBI's operations against both groups, drawing on a wealth of primary sources and firsthand accounts to provide a rich and textured picture of the agency's actions.
Throughout the book, Churchill's prose is clear, concise, and highly engaging. He deftly balances historical analysis with personal narratives, providing a human face to the otherwise abstract history of political repression. He also situates his analysis within broader social and political contexts, showing how the FBI's actions were part of larger efforts to maintain the status quo and suppress dissent.
In sum, Ward Churchill's "Agents of Repression" is a tour de force of historical scholarship and political analysis. Churchill's meticulous attention to detail, his engaging prose, and his ability to structure a complex narrative make this book an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the history of political dissidence in the United States. Churchill's contributions to the field of American history and political science are immeasurable, and his work will undoubtedly continue to inspire and inform scholars and activists for years to come.
It is important to note that Ward Churchill did not work alone in producing "Agents of Repression." He collaborated with Jim Vander Wall, a fellow researcher and writer, to produce this seminal work on the FBI's covert operations against the Black Panthers and AIM.
Jim Vander Wall's contributions to the book are noteworthy. He brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the project, having conducted extensive research on the FBI's activities and written extensively on political repression in the United States. Together, Churchill and Vander Wall were able to produce a work that is both comprehensive and highly readable, providing readers with a deep understanding of the FBI's tactics and their impact on political dissidence in the United States.
Furthermore, Vander Wall's contributions to the book were not limited to research and writing. He also played a key role in the book's publication, working tirelessly to secure funding, find a publisher, and promote the book to a wider audience. Thanks to his efforts, "Agents of Repression" has become an influential work in the field of American history and political science, and has helped to spark important conversations about civil liberties, political repression, and the role of the state in suppressing dissent.
In sum, Ward Churchill and Jim Vander Wall's collaboration on "Agents of Repression" is a testament to the power of collaboration in the pursuit of knowledge and social justice. Their work is a shining example of rigorous scholarship, compelling writing, and a deep commitment to justice and human rights.
Ward Churchill' and Jim Vanderbilt Wall-“Agents of Repression: The FBI's Secret War Against the Black Panthers and the American Indian Movement" is a masterfully organized and deeply insightful work that sheds light on a dark chapter in American history. The book is a testament to Churchill's meticulous attention to detail, his rigorous research, and his ability to weave together a complex narrative in a clear and compelling manner.
One of the most impressive aspects of the book is the way in which Churchill structures his analysis. He begins by providing a concise but comprehensive overview of the FBI's history and mission, which sets the stage for a nuanced understanding of the agency's actions against the Black Panthers and AIM. From there, Churchill carefully traces the evolution of the FBI's surveillance programs, highlighting the ways in which they were shaped by political and social factors. He also provides detailed accounts of the FBI's operations against both groups, drawing on a wealth of primary sources and firsthand accounts to provide a rich and textured picture of the agency's actions.
Throughout the book, Churchill's prose is clear, concise, and highly engaging. He deftly balances historical analysis with personal narratives, providing a human face to the otherwise abstract history of political repression. He also situates his analysis within broader social and political contexts, showing how the FBI's actions were part of larger efforts to maintain the status quo and suppress dissent.
In sum, Ward Churchill's "Agents of Repression" is a tour de force of historical scholarship and political analysis. Churchill's meticulous attention to detail, his engaging prose, and his ability to structure a complex narrative make this book an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the history of political dissidence in the United States. Churchill's contributions to the field of American history and political science are immeasurable, and his work will undoubtedly continue to inspire and inform scholars and activists for years to come.
It is important to note that Ward Churchill did not work alone in producing "Agents of Repression." He collaborated with Jim Vander Wall, a fellow researcher and writer, to produce this seminal work on the FBI's covert operations against the Black Panthers and AIM.
Jim Vander Wall's contributions to the book are noteworthy. He brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the project, having conducted extensive research on the FBI's activities and written extensively on political repression in the United States. Together, Churchill and Vander Wall were able to produce a work that is both comprehensive and highly readable, providing readers with a deep understanding of the FBI's tactics and their impact on political dissidence in the United States.
Furthermore, Vander Wall's contributions to the book were not limited to research and writing. He also played a key role in the book's publication, working tirelessly to secure funding, find a publisher, and promote the book to a wider audience. Thanks to his efforts, "Agents of Repression" has become an influential work in the field of American history and political science, and has helped to spark important conversations about civil liberties, political repression, and the role of the state in suppressing dissent.
In sum, Ward Churchill and Jim Vander Wall's collaboration on "Agents of Repression" is a testament to the power of collaboration in the pursuit of knowledge and social justice. Their work is a shining example of rigorous scholarship, compelling writing, and a deep commitment to justice and human rights.
December 14, 2020
I first read this book years ago and went back to it recently after reading John Mecham's new book about John Lewis. The things that Black and Native American people have had to endure in this country at the hands of the FBI, especially during the time of J. Edgar Hoover is totally appalling. The book is thoroughly documented, including photos of many of the people who were harassed and murdered by our government and newspaper clippings of some of the terrible incidents. You may have heard about the systematic interference of our government in other countries, but if you don't know much about what went on in the Jim Crow south or in Pine Ridge and other Native American reservations, you should considering reading this book. It's sick and it has been going on for far too long and continues to this day. Just look at the numbers of Native Americans and Blacks dying from covid compared to whites. J. Edgar Hoover collected information on thousands of people, including politicians, and was able to keep people in line with threats of blackmail. And yet, he was one of the biggest hypocrits to ever achieve the kind of power he had in the United States government. American should be ashamed that our tax dollars have supported this kind of oppression of people.
March 26, 2021
(I read the “corrected” 1990 South End Press version.)
Despite the compelling and important topic, this book proved to be a bit of a slog for me. A quarter of the work consists of citations and notes, mostly from seminal works that I have previously read.
Therefore, it was disconcerting to find so many factual errors of dates and names. Stating that Santa Monica PD picked up Peltier after his escape from Lompoc rather than Santa Maria PD may not matter to non-Californians, but listing the date of Anna Mae Aquash’s final arrest in Oregon as 10 days before her body was found in South Dakota (rather than the actual 3 months prior) proves misleading, and both these mistakes contradict the original source cited (Peter Mattheissen’s In the Spirit of Crazy Horse).
It was only on page 384 when the author’s voice emerged, stating that this work was created in an effort to draw attention to Mattheissen’s work (then being withheld due to pending litigation by the FBI). Within that context, I upgraded my rating another star. I hope the errata in this edition were fixed before the reissue and think that future readers are better served by Mattheissen’s own meticulously researched book.
Despite the compelling and important topic, this book proved to be a bit of a slog for me. A quarter of the work consists of citations and notes, mostly from seminal works that I have previously read.
Therefore, it was disconcerting to find so many factual errors of dates and names. Stating that Santa Monica PD picked up Peltier after his escape from Lompoc rather than Santa Maria PD may not matter to non-Californians, but listing the date of Anna Mae Aquash’s final arrest in Oregon as 10 days before her body was found in South Dakota (rather than the actual 3 months prior) proves misleading, and both these mistakes contradict the original source cited (Peter Mattheissen’s In the Spirit of Crazy Horse).
It was only on page 384 when the author’s voice emerged, stating that this work was created in an effort to draw attention to Mattheissen’s work (then being withheld due to pending litigation by the FBI). Within that context, I upgraded my rating another star. I hope the errata in this edition were fixed before the reissue and think that future readers are better served by Mattheissen’s own meticulously researched book.
April 21, 2023
A history of the FBI and its use of COINTELPROs (counter intelligence programs) to infiltrate, destroy, kill, and spread propaganda against groups it deems "threats" even if those groups haven't threatened anyone.
They infiltrated the black panther party and american indian movement and got informants to kill leaders and destroy lives, all while influencing the justice department to turn a blind eye. Truly disgusting.
They infiltrated the black panther party and american indian movement and got informants to kill leaders and destroy lives, all while influencing the justice department to turn a blind eye. Truly disgusting.
August 28, 2021
An excellent book covering the account of the Cointelpro operations against the Black Panthers and American Indian Movement. The Black Panther section is thinner than the AIM section, but super condensed and straight forward. Probably one of the best summaries of this period of time, with information not found easily anywhere else.
May 24, 2018
I was disappointed at the only brief mention of Bunchy Carter. Churchill could have expanded on his murder as well as other details involving the Black Panther Party. Most of the book focuses on the American Indian Movement instead (which is fine, but not my personal interest).
June 22, 2025
Really interesting read. It is fascinating how little changes in terms of handling the public relations of government since its start. Leaving this with the understanding that Hoover built it all on marketing and cruelty is just crazy.
July 25, 2025
A must read. Though written in the 80s about FBI actions in the 70s, it is more relevant than ever.
Read
April 14, 2012I read a long paper by Churchill on this, and I have never felt so utterly convinced of the state's commitment to perpetuating a society based on racist exploitation. Even I was shocked by the FBI's literal war against a self-defense movement which engaged in completely legal--yes, completely legal--activity. The BPP's 10 point platform is hardly more radical than the UN Declaration of Human Rights, for example. But since the demands of food, clothing, shelter, and self-determination for those on the bottom of the social hierarchy are unacceptable, the FBI strategically spread disinformation, infiltrated, framed, and murdered in order to shut them up. If black (not to mention Native) people in this country advocate anything more radical, reasonable, and specific than CHANGE and HOPE on a large scale, we can see what happens.
September 10, 2012
A well researched and documented book. After finishing the book, the reader is left with skepticism and doubt about the FBI.
It is unbelievable what Hoover and the FBI was up to in the early days.
I do think the author went out of his way to trash the FBI. Mind you, it is hard to find fault with the authors' findings and conclusions. And when they are speculating, the authors state it as such. But it is frequent and always speculating that the FBI was up to no good.
It also leaves the reader with a much better picture of the treatment given to the American Indian tribes.
Read it. It is written more like a History book, so it isn't a summer beach read.
It is unbelievable what Hoover and the FBI was up to in the early days.
I do think the author went out of his way to trash the FBI. Mind you, it is hard to find fault with the authors' findings and conclusions. And when they are speculating, the authors state it as such. But it is frequent and always speculating that the FBI was up to no good.
It also leaves the reader with a much better picture of the treatment given to the American Indian tribes.
Read it. It is written more like a History book, so it isn't a summer beach read.
February 26, 2009
If I didn't think this guy was one of the most awesome, well researched and articulate anti-oppression scholars and activists in the world, I might be kind of scared of him. He definitely doesn't rule out the possibility of taking up arms against the government, and he doesn't mince words. This book is key to understanding the full story of the Black Panther Party, and to just understanding the role of the police state in crushing activist movements. You will read some crazy stuff, and he provides all the documentation to make you believe it.
November 25, 2007
a must read ... there is a follow-up book by Ward Churchill called Cointelpro Papers which is mostly documentation obtained via Freedom of Information act supporting claims made in this book (though much is blacked out ...)
This book and Ward Churchill have been trashed in mainstream/right-wing press but this book is must reading for anyone interested in the future of social movements in this country ...
This book and Ward Churchill have been trashed in mainstream/right-wing press but this book is must reading for anyone interested in the future of social movements in this country ...
October 23, 2008
You. Read. Now.
Pretty much required reading for anyone involved in radical politics, or even progressive causes. The authorities lump us all together anyway. There is interesting, infuriating history here and warnings to take away, but don't let it make you too paranoid--not everyone who disagrees with you or who you don't like is "COINTELPRO."
Pretty much required reading for anyone involved in radical politics, or even progressive causes. The authorities lump us all together anyway. There is interesting, infuriating history here and warnings to take away, but don't let it make you too paranoid--not everyone who disagrees with you or who you don't like is "COINTELPRO."
February 2, 2008
Ward Churchill got the shaft at the University of Colorado. Free speech, my ass. Best professor I had, with the exception of James Kimble in the philosophy department. That's what you get for standing up.
January 19, 2009
Apart from all the criticisms of Ward Churchill, This book was one of the first books that opened my eyes to the truth behind all the infiltration projects supported and carried out by the FBI and the CIA.
read this if you want a real dose of history!
read this if you want a real dose of history!
October 22, 2009
I read this in college alongside A Taste of Power -- it was amazing series of parallels reading about the implementation of COINTEL programs and see how they were being perceived from within one of the targeted groups.
April 30, 2012
Powerful book on attempts by Nixon administration to squash movements in the U.S. Of particular interest, was the American Indian Movement. Great detail and research included with photos, interviews, and news stories.
June 15, 2007
I always knew the FBI was a fucked up inherently evil organization. Here is the proof. A little biased but a good read about an interesting period in American history.
June 21, 2007
Reading this book is like a nightmare. That's how scary it is. Some of it is hard to believe, you don't want to believe it, but it's real. It's unfathomable, but it's real.
January 17, 2008
this is good.
September 26, 2008
The best book on the US government repression of the American Indian Movement in the 70s (also has excellent treatment of the crushing of the Black Panthers) that I am aware of.
April 13, 2009
An amazing premier on the FBI/CIA Cointelpro tactics.
November 14, 2010
All in all an excellent book, but it makes some very dubious assertions related to Italian anarchists and the Palmer raids near the beginning.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews