US COVERT ACTION: SACRIFICING PRUDENCE FOR EXPEDIENCE

Abstract

The United States (US) is damaging its diplomatic efforts, international power, and public safety as results of strategically employing covert operations. In order to avoid further degradation of its international influence, the US must adhere to American democratic principles and thoughtful diplomatic relations, and abandon covert action in favor of congressionally-approved, overt military action when US interests are threatened. There is an imperative to explore the residual effects of US covert actions that make many nations hostile towards Americans and US policy objectives. Understanding the modern demand for government transparency and oversight, policymakers, diplomats, and academics must recognize that fundamental changes for conflict resolution are required to secure US strategic interests, diplomatic goals, and public safety. By employing library and archival research methodology, this thesis illuminates the damaging effects of covert action on US international relations at both the macro and micro levels. Further, research perspectives on the morality of covert action and its lasting effects on societies – domestic and foreign – are also integrated into this research. Ultimately, results are intended to approach the topic of US covert action from the unique perspectives of diplomacy and security, to include assessments of a holistic solution, previously unexplored in other academic writings.