Outsourcing has become par for the course in business and increasingly
in government intelligence gathering as well. In recent years,
intelligence contracting has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry,
with privatization often blurring the lines between public and private
sectors. Examples of private contractors can be found in places like Abu
Ghraib, and in American intelligence centers throughout the world.
Similarly, former high-ranking national security officials can be found
in various consulting roles throughout the private sector intelligence
industry. Yet, the size, scope, and influence of this intelligence
outsourcing has been largely unexamined, and sometimes at odds with
congressional oversight and public accountability. Join the Council for
a conversation with investigative journalist Tim Shorrock as he
discusses this topic in depth in his new book, Spies for Hire.