George Washington: The Father of American Intelligence?

2012-12-04 24

George Washington: The Father of American Intelligence?
Chautauqua Institution - Chautauqua Amphitheater
American Intelligence: Technology, Espionage, and Alliances

In two months, our nation will confront the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. In the decade since, what have we learned? What is our espionage history, and why is it important? What is the appropriate balance between civil liberties and national security? In this week, a collaboration with the International Spy Museum, we will examine American intelligence capabilities, the methods by which we collect and analyze data, how our justice system works, and what these issues tell us about who we are and how we form alliances. We'll learn about our technical capabilities in an information-based global environment with billions of bits of information. What do we know about our espionage efforts, and how do we know our strategies are working?

Chautauqua, according to the late, great Teddy Roosevelt, is "the most American thing in America." It's also the country's oldest ideas festival. Since its founding in 1874, Chautauqua has attracted the likes of Amelia Earhart, FDR and Susan B. Anthony. The rich tradition continues in 2011. Speakers include New York Times contributor Stanley Fish, groundbreaking religious commentator Karen Armstrong, leading foreign policy analyst Robin Wright, noted historian Gordon Wood and several others. Take advantage of this exclusive offer from FORA.tv and the Chautauqua Institution, and join the discussion as these important thought leaders address the most pressing issues facing America and the world.