The CIA and the Cult of Intelligence

"The CIA and the Cult of Intelligence" is a book by Victor Marchetti and John D. Marks that critically examines the Central Intelligence Agency's inner workings and its influence on U.S. policy. It reveals how the CIA operates with secrecy, often overstepping legal and ethical boundaries, driven by a culture that values intelligence gathering and covert actions. The title highlights how the CIA functions almost like a self-perpetuating "cult," prioritizing secret knowledge and loyalty over transparency or accountability. The book offers an insider’s perspective on the agency’s strategies, power, and potential dangers inherent in its secretive nature.