Abstract

Abstract : Past indiscretions and public dismay cast a dubious shadow over the United States Covert Action (CA) capability as a viable and legitimate instrument of national power. With the current U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS) of engagement and enlargement, does CA provide our nation a feasible option when diplomacy offers too little, and military action offers too much? This paper supports current national policy that CA does, and will continue to play a vital role in our NSS, and discusses CA's viability and implications for the future. At an unclassified level, CA can be defined and de-mystified to better understand the nature of CA; current policy regarding CA and its applicability to the NSS; arguments against/for CA; CA authority, approval, and oversight mechanisms; and suggested pre-conditions to assist in determining the utility of CA when its potential employment is under consideration. Finally, this paper examines CA's relevance given current affairs, downsizing, and fiscal constraints; and identifies potential emerging CA challenges and opportunities for the future. Despite past failures, countless undisclosed successes have furthered American values and supported U.S. national interests. As a quiet option, CA has provided our President with flexibility in defending our nation's security and national security interests.

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