Author Speaks on the Ethics of Spying

Hughes Lecture Series Hosts Author of New Book on Intelligence Ethics

By Gretchen Reynolds

On 15 November 2011, NIU's John T. Hughes Library hosted Dr. Jan Goldman as part of the Hughes Speaker Series. Dr. Goldman is a former faculty member who now serves as an instructor at the FBI Academy and a lecturer at Georgetown University. In addition to editing numerous books and articles, Dr. Goldman established the International Intelligence Ethics Association and is editor of the International Journal of Intelligence Ethics.

At Tuesday's event, Dr. Goldman discussed his recently published book, "Ethics of Spying: a Reader for Intelligence Professionals, Volume 2". The volume is included in Rowman and Littlefield's Scarecrow Professional Intelligence Education Series. The book, edited by Dr. Goldman, is a collection of articles that look at ethics from a historical perspective up to more contemporary ethical issues faced by the intelligence community. Contributors include intelligence experts and scholars from around the world.

Dr. Goldman discussed the need for a professional code of ethics in the intelligence community, arguing that the work of intelligence, intelligence collection, and intelligence analysis ultimately is strengthened to the benefit of all involved. After his remarks, a lively and interactive exchange took place as the topics of ethics in general, professional versus personal ethics, and morality were debated and discussed by Dr. Goldman and audience members.

Two more Hughes lectures are scheduled in the coming months: an author talk on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 with Dr. Michael Peterson to discuss his book Missiles for the Fatherland: Peenemunde, National Socialism, and the V-2 Missile, published by Cambridge University Press. On Monday, April 16, 2012, Mr. Norman Polmar will visit to discuss his new book Project Azorian: the CIA and the Raising of the K-129, published by the Naval Institute Press.

For more information about upcoming events, contact the John T. Hughes Library at JTH_Library@dodiis.mil.