Ethics Of Covert Operations Summary

Ethics of Covert Operations In Chapter seventeen, Ethics of Covert Operations written by Loch K. Johnson, the author discusses the ethical values of covert operations and its guidelines. It is broken down into three sections: “Ladder of Escalation,” issues in covert operations, and guidelines for differentiating three operations, which are clandestine, counterintelligence, and covert. Each sections have their advantages and disadvantages when being used in intelligence operations. It also talks about concluding moral considerations to intelligence activities. In “Ladder of Escalation,” it talked about policy officers climbing activities that are labeled from low risk to high risk. The “Ladder of Escalation” begins in the Routine Intelligence …show more content…
There are eleven guidelines that the policymakers and overseers have to follow in conducing covert operations. Guidelines provide the safety measures of the United States and prevents the policymakers and overseers from violating the law. The guidelines for appraising proposed covert interventions is the result of mistakes made by the past United States covert operations. Hence, to prevent the mistakes and history from repeating, the guidelines are used. In addition, the section explains why the assassination plot is more controversial and questionable. In my opinion, assassinating the enemy does not stop the regime from falling. I do not think that assassinating the leader of the opposing group help with changing their behaviors and stopping their regime. I do not think it will achieve anything because there are others with the same beliefs as the enemy and could start a revengeful tyrant. This will also enable other nations, who dislike the United States, to help the enemy. I also believe that the enemy has a right to life despite having a different opinion from others. However, assassinations is also be labeled and justified as a self-defense from threats, especially in