Fair Play

November 1, 2006
This book's subtitle references a hot topic given the current nervous state of America. Olson (intelligence & national security, Bush Sch. of Government & Public Service, Texas A&M Univ.) agrees that espionage is vitally necessary but feels that the U.S. intelligence community needs realistic moral guidelines. After an introduction describing his undercover careerhe is a 30-year veteran of CIA operational workOlson reviews the philosophical and historical background of spying as well as U.S. attitudes toward such efforts. The bulk of his book is composed of 50 operational scenarios that require a moral judgment to proceed. Several commentators discuss the issues and why they would make certain decisions within the given parameters. Olson's own experience means he has tackled such dilemmas firsthand. Included are a bibliography of 50 essential titles for any intelligence library and brief sketches of 64 of the scenario commentators. This work can be paired with Jan Goldman's "Ethics of Spying: A Reader for the Intelligence Professional". While certainly not a required purchase, it does address a charged subject; suitable for academic and large public libraries.Daniel K. Blewett, Coll. of DuPage Lib., Glen Ellyn, IL

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