Trust but Verify: Imagery Analysis in the Cold War

by David T. Lindgren

In documenting the role played by imagery analysis during the Cold War, this book documents how information derived from imagery came to influence U.S. policy. It focuses on America's efforts to assess the Soviet Union's strategic economic and military capabilities in the aftermath of World War II when American leaders realized the limits of their knowledge. Initial efforts to photograph Soviet territory using converted bombers proved unsuccessful and highly provocative and prompted the United States to develop specialized reconnaissance systems. Beginning with the U-2 in the mid-1950s and continuing with a series of increasingly sophisticated imaging satellites, this study demonstrates how the United States eventually was able to accurately appraise the military forces of the Soviet Union and its Warsaw Pact allies. The author argues that these more accurate assessments helped stabilize relations between the two adversaries while the imaging systems' monitoring capabilities led directly to arms control and ultimately arms reduction agreements. He concludes that imagery analysis not only played a critical role in resolving the Cold War but it also helped prevent another Pearl Harbor. His analysis will appeal to everyone with an interest in foreign affairs, intelligence, the Cold War, and space applications.

222 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2000

Reviews

[Brett C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent overview of the history of imagery intelligence, analysis, and exploitation as well as a history of photoreconnaissance systems. David T. Lindgren also gave a history of the Cold War from the political and defense posturing of both America and the Soviet Union.

Lindgren showed how aerial photoreconnaissance and imagery intelligence was used throughout the Cold War as a checks-and-balance between the two superpowers. The use of this intelligence had a driving impact on foreign policy, defensive maneuvering, and political standoffs. From Truman to Clinton, each administration utilized aerial surveillance at different lengths to ensure national security during their respective time.

I learned a great deal: the history of the U-2 spy plane program and the Francis Gary Powers incident, transition to satellite imagery, Cuba and the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Ho Chi Minh Trail, and constant monitoring of missile sites throughout the Cold War. The political ramifications of Eisenhower, Kennedy and Khrushchev, LBJ, Nixon, Carter, and the final push to win the Cold War with Ronald Reagan and Gorbachev were discussed in detail.

Overall this was great. It was an academic read that was clear and concise. It was non-biased and written without opinion. I would recommend this to anyone interested in Cold War history. Thanks!

[Michael Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives multiple perspectives of imagery analysts and their experiences interpreting the aerial photography during the cold war.