Spies, Lies, and Algorithms: The History and Future of American Intelligence

by Amy B. Zegart

the National Reconnaissance Office, the American agency that builds and operates spy satellites,

A second barrier to understanding intelligence lies in the culture of secrecy embedded in the Intelligence Community. American intelligence agencies are world class when it comes to separating themselves from the outside world. They’ve had to be. Intelligence officials work in secure locations apart from the rest of us. Their writings are classified. They cannot speak freely about what they do with family, friends, or neighbors. Talk to anyone who works in an intelligence agency, and you will quickly realize that this is no ordinary workforce. It is filled with members who know their successes will probably stay secret but their failures will probably make headlines. Intelligence officials speak often of “the mission.” Always in serious tones. No elaboration. They know what it means.

A lifetime burden

In short, most Americans cannot learn about intelligence even if they want to. Spytainment is all they have.