This class offers a compelling, even-handed exploration of the CIA's complex role in shaping modern American history. Examine the agency's central tension — the need for secrecy versus the demands of democratic accountability — and trace its evolution from the early Cold War to the 21st-century War on Terror. Through major case studies, you'll analyse both celebrated successes, such as intelligence gathered during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and significant failures, including the CIA's difficulty anticipating the rise of radical Islamist movements. The class also investigates how the agency operates: why certain regions draw its attention, how techniques like drone strikes or rendition are evaluated, and how the CIA's real work compares with its portrayal in popular culture. Professor Wilford's balanced approach equips students to form their own conclusions about what the CIA has done well, where it has faltered, and how its mission continues to evolve in a rapidly changing world. Lecture style with question and answer time.