INSA - Intelligence and National Security Alliance

08/02/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/02/2021 12:06

What We’re Reading – Summer 2021

As temperatures heat up, for many INSA members it's time for sun, sand and summer reading! Whether it's for personal or professional growth, INSA staff has it covered in our list of recommended summer reads and podcasts!

Check out our list!

Novels

How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States

By Daniel Immerwahr

Recommended by Larry Hanauer, Vice President for Policy

In 1940, nearly 19 million people - one in eight people subject to American jurisdiction - lived in American territories beyond the contiguous United States. In 'How to Hide an Empire,' The author provides a history of American imperialism and military occupation in places like the Philippines, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Panama Canal Zone, and elsewhere, highlighting the extent to which the United States has been - and in many ways still is - a territorial empire in which the locals were treated far worse than mainland citizens. After World War II, faced with growing resistance from territorial residents and a global trend toward decolonization, U.S. goals in overseas territories - particularly the largest overseas colony, the Philippines - shifted from governance to cultural and commercial influence, which enabled the United States to maintain so-called 'soft power' and economic dominance without the burdens or obligations of occupation. Given that the United States still maintains a 'pointillist' empire of disparate territories whose residents have lesser political and economic rights than mainlanders -- in spots like Guam, Puerto Rico, Guantanamo, and the Northern Mariana Islands - the lessons of American colonialism remain relevant today.

Black Diamond: A Mystery of the French Countryside

By Martin Walker

Recommended by John Doyon, Executive Vice President

A Bruno, Chief of Police mystery. When he's not solving a crime, Bruno is celebrating the cuisine and life of southern France, which in this story, starts with problems in the local truffle market. Great characters and intrigue. Enjoy with a glass of Bordeaux!

2034: A Novel of the Next World War

By Elliot Ackerman, Admiral James Stavridis

Recommended by Alison Berman, Policy Intern
Also recommended by Policy Intern, Harry Brooks!

As the current relationship between the U.S. and China becomes more tense, this bookexplores a potential future outcome of a rising China and a declining America that no longer enjoys military superiority. 2034: A Novel of the Next World War is a work of speculative fiction written by Elliot Ackerman, a journalist and Marine Corps veteran, and Admiral James Stavridis, a retired four-star admiral and former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO. In this book, the authors explore how the future of the U.S.-China relationship could spiral into a catastrophe that goes beyond traditional warfare and into the cyber realm. If you are interested in the U.S-China relationship, the future of warfare, or the future of national security, add this bookto your list.

Battlegrounds

By H.R. McMaster

Recommended by Harrison Brooks, Policy Intern

Battlegrounds is part memoir, part cautionary tale. McMaster warns that, in an age of partisan vitriol and disillusionment with the American political system, the United States lacks the vision and confidence needed to effectively compete in a rapidly changing world. One by one, McMaster details the next decade's biggest threats - and opportunities - from Afghanistan to Russia to Iran to, of course, China. Throughout, McMaster weaves in his personal experience working issues in these arenas, which I think provides a rich and necessary lesson in national security leadership.

A Spy Among Friends

By Ben Macintyre

Recommended by Nicholas Damianos, Policy Intern

'A Spy Among Friends' recounts the story of Kim Philby, the notorious MI6 officer and double agent for Russia. Macintyre presents a shocking timeline of events, ranging from Russia's recruitment of Philby during the Spanish Civil War, his rise in MI6, his time in the United States, and his eventual defection. This story of intrigue, friendship, and devastating betrayal is a can't miss.

Podcasts

Wind of Change by Pineapple Street Studios, Crooked Media and Spotify

Recommended by Peggy O'Connor, Director of Communications and Policy

Did the CIA write a power ballad that ended the Cold War? This eight-part series follows journalist Patrick Radden Keefe as he explores a rumor he heard from a former CIA source that the agency penned the Scorpions 1990 power ballad, 'Winds of Change' as a tool to help end the Cold War. Keefe interviews musicians, historians, ex-CIA, and Scorpion fans and travels the globe in search of the truth. Sure, this is a highly speculative series that could have used better editing, but it is also highly entertaining. The narration is excellent, interviews engaging, and the premise can't be beat.

The Line by Dan Taberski

Recommended by Cassie Crotty, Policy Intern

The Line is a six-part podcast hosted by Dan Taberski. The Line centers around the accused war crimes of former Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher but also delves into the ethics of wartime decision-making. Gallagher was accused by several SEAL team members of stabbing a wounded Islamic State prisoner and shooting Iraqi civilians during his deployment in Mosul, Iraq. Throughout the podcast, we are immersed in the psychology of special operators. The host attempts to understand what makes SEAL team members unique and how their experiences on and off the battlefield could lead to controversial war crimes.

The Line leaves listeners with more questions than answers. Should ethics play a role when fighting a violent enemy? How does a warfighter navigate the grey areas between right and wrong in war? What are the consequences of a 'curvy line' on the U.S.'s overall reputation? How do U.S. rules of engagement (ROE) impact warfighting on the ground? Are the common character traits found in successful Navy SEALS the same traits that bring some operators to cross the ethical line?

Crosswords

Recommended by Noel Hardesty, Office Manager and Executive Assistant

I always have a bookof crosswords with me when I'm not working. It's a great way to keep your mind sharp and improve your vocabulary! I'm currently alternating between USA Today's Crossword Super Challenge and New York Times Thursday Crossword Omnibus. Why crosswords you ask? Because the sense of achievement you get from completing one is addictive and if you're like me, you will find delight in the wordplay meant to obscure your path to completion. Those 'aha' moments when you solve one are pure adrenaline for the mind.