INSIDE THE CIA's PRIVATE WORLD by H. Bradford Westerfield.
Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2026 6:35 pm
Wednesday
03.18.2026
1:35 p.m.,
Chicago, Illinois time:
Dear Global Forum Members and Readers:
INSIDE THE CIA's PRIVATE WORLD, 1995 selected and edited by H. Bradford Westerfield is from
Declassified Articles From The Agency's Internal Journal, 1955 - 1992.
"H. Bradford Westerfield is Damon Wells Professor of International Studies and professor of
poliical science at Yale University."
"A brilliant selection from the CIA's secret Cold War archive - gripping, haunting, intellectually
challenging and as tantalizing le Carre."
Bob Woodward.
"This engrossing book presents the most interesting articles from STUDIES IN INTELLIGENCE -
a previously classified in-house Central Intelligence Agency journal that was for CIA eyes
only - and provides insights into CIA Strategies and into events in which the organization
was involved."
"Engrossing and fascinating. The articles include some of the best treatments of intelligence
issues ever written, and they reveal a great deal about the internal culture of the CIA, not
all of it complimentary."
Foreign Affairs.
"This volume with its thoughtful introduction by Westerfield provides new insights into the
role played by Intelligence during the Cold War. It is a fascinating glimpse into the CIA's
past, and also includes valuable information relevant to shaping the future of the CIA in a
world that has changed dramatically."
David L. Boren.
"Seldom can a reader eavesdrop on intellectual professionals, but that is precisely what
this book makes possible. Thirty-two selections from the CIA's in-house and classified
journal let us see professionals talking to each other, let us hear the way in which they
analyze problems, and perhaps (as in all good intelligence work) reveal even a bit more
than the authors of the essays intended. This book represents a unique breakthrough in
intelligence studies."
Robin Winks.
My Commentary:
Thousands of years ago ancient Japanese stated to understand a man you must journey
in his sandals for great distances. Hundreds of years ago American Indians stated to
know and understand a man you must walk a thousand miles in his Moccasins.
Today, with brilliant books like this, we can begin to seriously grasp some of the thinking
at the highest levels of the American Intelligence Apparatus, Systems, and Thinking.
Since It is ALWAYS BEST TO START AT THE BEGINNING this book provides the footings,
foundation, ground floors and then some to how today we might best seek to know,
rationalize, and understand the CIA and America's 21 Known Intelligence Agencies.
thoughts...
best..
bb.
03.18.2026
1:35 p.m.,
Chicago, Illinois time:
Dear Global Forum Members and Readers:
INSIDE THE CIA's PRIVATE WORLD, 1995 selected and edited by H. Bradford Westerfield is from
Declassified Articles From The Agency's Internal Journal, 1955 - 1992.
"H. Bradford Westerfield is Damon Wells Professor of International Studies and professor of
poliical science at Yale University."
"A brilliant selection from the CIA's secret Cold War archive - gripping, haunting, intellectually
challenging and as tantalizing le Carre."
Bob Woodward.
"This engrossing book presents the most interesting articles from STUDIES IN INTELLIGENCE -
a previously classified in-house Central Intelligence Agency journal that was for CIA eyes
only - and provides insights into CIA Strategies and into events in which the organization
was involved."
"Engrossing and fascinating. The articles include some of the best treatments of intelligence
issues ever written, and they reveal a great deal about the internal culture of the CIA, not
all of it complimentary."
Foreign Affairs.
"This volume with its thoughtful introduction by Westerfield provides new insights into the
role played by Intelligence during the Cold War. It is a fascinating glimpse into the CIA's
past, and also includes valuable information relevant to shaping the future of the CIA in a
world that has changed dramatically."
David L. Boren.
"Seldom can a reader eavesdrop on intellectual professionals, but that is precisely what
this book makes possible. Thirty-two selections from the CIA's in-house and classified
journal let us see professionals talking to each other, let us hear the way in which they
analyze problems, and perhaps (as in all good intelligence work) reveal even a bit more
than the authors of the essays intended. This book represents a unique breakthrough in
intelligence studies."
Robin Winks.
My Commentary:
Thousands of years ago ancient Japanese stated to understand a man you must journey
in his sandals for great distances. Hundreds of years ago American Indians stated to
know and understand a man you must walk a thousand miles in his Moccasins.
Today, with brilliant books like this, we can begin to seriously grasp some of the thinking
at the highest levels of the American Intelligence Apparatus, Systems, and Thinking.
Since It is ALWAYS BEST TO START AT THE BEGINNING this book provides the footings,
foundation, ground floors and then some to how today we might best seek to know,
rationalize, and understand the CIA and America's 21 Known Intelligence Agencies.
thoughts...
best..
bb.