Covert Action: The Hidden Side of American Foreign Policy

Covert action, as defined by intelligence historian Locke Johnson, is the hidden side of American foreign policy. It involves four packages of activities: propaganda, political covert action, economic covert action, and paramilitary operations. Propaganda aims to shape perceptions of the United States and its policies through various channels, including hiring media assets to spread the American viewpoint. Political covert action involves providing financial support to political candidates favorable to US interests. Economic covert action may involve sabotage, counterfeiting, or other disruptive activities to destabilize an enemy nation's economy. The most extreme form is paramilitary operations, which can involve assassination plots and supporting groups to overthrow hostile regimes. While some covert actions remain secret, Johnson believes that honest efforts, such as supporting Ukraine in its conflict against Russia, can be crucial in exposing the truth and countering propaganda.