ACS Presentation

Political Differences in COINTELPRO Operation
s in event: Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism in Historical Perspective
Thu, Nov 19, 8:00 to 9:20am, Hilton, Holmead East, Lobby Level
http://tinyurl.com/ozpp5s4

 Abstract
   In the 1960's, the FBI conducted a series of intelligence/harassment programs against violent and subversive groups within the United States. These operations were a continuation of policy in the FBI's long history of addressing subversion within the United States. Overall, this series of programs was known as COINTELPRO. The citizens of a Republic have an expectation that their right to free speech and political participation should not be interfered with by the State. The complication between theory and reality comes into play when anti-Republic actors use extra-legal means to achieve political goals. States may choose to employ secrecy and extra-legal means to combat these subversive organizations. This approach leads to conflict between the expectations of the society and the means to protect it. In addition, in any state, whether representative or not, political influences affect operations of the state to benefit special interests. These political influences may be aligned with subversive organizations and interfere with national security operations. A comparison of the specific operations conducted under the the auspices of COINTELPRO:WHITE HATE and COINTELPRO:NEW LEFT can be made to illustrate the political influences that affect domestic security policy and the operations conducted supporting that policy.