ABSTRACT
On occasion, the United States may wish to engage in activities to influence the internal politics of other nations while not revealing its own role in the operation. This sort of activity is referred to as a “covert operation” (CO). The National Security Act of 1947 gave the President of the United States the authority to carry out such activities with little oversight when deemed necessary. It also designated the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as the primary agency for conducting civilian COs overseas. Throughout the years, the CIA has conducted numerous actions, ranging from influencing the elections of Italy (1947) to orchestrating the overthrow of the democratically elected Prime Minister of Iran (1953). Some other noteworthy COs include the failed Bay of Pigs Invasion (1961) and the arming of the Mujahedeen in Afghanistan during their struggle against the Soviet Union (1980s). Controversy has surrounded the use of COs since their inception—proponents claim they are an indispensable “third option” for advancing American foreign policy while critics contend they have damaged long-term U.S. interests even if they have provided short-term benefits.
