Books Like...

'The Devil's Chessboard: Allen Dulles and the Rise of America's Secret Government' by David Talbot is a compelling exploration of the deep-seated power structures within the American government. Talbot delves into the intricate web of connections between establishment figures, the military industrial complex, and the intelligence community, showcasing how individuals like Allen Dulles wielded immense influence over significant historical events. Through a journalistic narrative style, the book uncovers the dark realities of CIA involvement in covert operations, assassinations, and the manipulation of governments, shedding light on the sinister machinations of those in power.

'Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001' by Steve Coll is a detailed and exhaustive account of the CIA's involvement in Afghanistan from the Soviet invasion to the lead up to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It chronicles the rise of the jihadist movement, the support for Afghan fighters, the birth of radical ideals, the Taliban's emergence, and the conditions that allowed Osama bin Laden to establish his power base in the country. The narrative explores the intricate relationships between the CIA, Pakistan's ISI, and Saudi Arabia, shedding light on how these connections led to the events that shaped the War on Terror.

The writing style of the book is journalistic and well-researched, providing a clear and thorough examination of the historical events leading up to 9/11. It offers an eye-opening perspective on American foreign policy in the Middle East, detailing the complexities of U.S. involvement in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the rise of Al Qaeda, and the consequences of the decisions made by intelligence agencies. Through a meticulous exploration of the CIA's operations and the geopolitical landscape, 'Ghost Wars' delivers an essential overview of the challenges and intricacies faced by the U.S. in the region.

'Killing Hope: U.S. Military and C.I.A. Interventions Since World War II' by William Blum is a detailed and heart-wrenching history of the USA's involvement in torture and murder in dozens of different countries in the last 60 years. The book meticulously documents American interventions throughout the world, including well-known events like Korea and Vietnam, as well as lesser-known interventions. Blum's writing style presents a harrowing picture of deceit, denial, and amoral manipulation to secure the industrial military political equilibrium, working chronologically through the last 60 years of political history.

Blum's 'Killing Hope' is described as a devastating attack on America's actual foreign policies, as opposed to the propaganda fed to the public. The book provides a damning view of US CIA policy since WWII, offering highly opinionated hot takes on US actions abroad, covering events from the '53 overthrow of Mossadegh to Dubya's invasion of Panama. The author's meticulous documentation, lack of indulgence in repetition, and use of mainstream sources like the NYT for citations make this book a detailed and shocking reference for understanding US foreign interventions post-WWII.

'Poisoner in Chief: Sidney Gottlieb and the CIA Search for Mind Control' by author Stephen Kinzer delves into the sinister and compelling story of Dr. Sidney Gottlieb, who led the CIA's mind control experiments during the Cold War era. The narrative provides a chilling account of how Gottlieb and his associates, driven by the cloak of national security, conducted immoral and inhuman experiments on unsuspecting individuals, blurring the lines between ethics and expediency. Kinzer's writing style is clear and readable, offering insights into the man behind the horrific deeds, while placing the narrative within the historical context of the Cold War.

'The Untold History of The United States' by Oliver Stone and Peter Kuznick is a provocative and controversial exploration of American history through a critical lens. The book challenges the notion of American exceptionalism and delves into the darker aspects of US policy and actions over the last century. Through a series of essays and analyses, the authors highlight the myths and propaganda surrounding historical events, shedding light on the untold truths that have been obscured by mainstream narratives. The writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, aiming to spark discussions and challenge readers' perspectives on key historical events.

'Surprise, Kill, Vanish' by Annie Jacobsen is a captivating and informative account of the CIA and its paramilitary operations throughout history, focusing on the controversial use of assassination as a policy option. The book delves into the intricate details of CIA operations, from the WWII OSS to current missions in Afghanistan, providing a well-researched and eye-opening narrative that sheds light on the secretive world of covert operations. Jacobsen's writing style, akin to that of a novelist, skillfully weaves together big ideas and historical perspectives through compelling storytelling, offering readers a fascinating insight into the world of intelligence and military history.

The narrative of 'Surprise, Kill, Vanish' is praised for its thorough exploration of the CIA's paramilitary division, offering a comprehensive overview of the agency's operations and the individuals involved. Readers find the historical perspective illuminating, especially in shedding light on the sometimes troubling aspects of the CIA's paramilitary activities. The book's engaging style and detailed accounts of covert operations, coupled with the author's apolitical approach and focus on factual evidence, make it a must-read for those interested in spy genre movies or novels, providing a deeper understanding of the complexities and morality behind the CIA's secretive missions.

'Operation Paperclip: The Secret Intelligence Program that Brought Nazi Scientists to America' by Annie Jacobsen delves into the secretive US operation post-World War II where Nazi scientists were brought to America to work for the government. The author uncovers groundbreaking information about the V-2 rockets, technology, and underground facilities developed by these scientists. Jacobsen's writing style presents a detailed and chronological account of how these scientists, some of whom were war criminals, were integrated into American society, raising questions about the ethical implications of their contributions to American scientific advancements.

'Overthrow: America's Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq' by Stephen Kinzer is a detailed account of fourteen instances of U.S. intervention to promote regime change, replacing existing governments with ones preferred by the U.S. The book covers a range of interventions from Hawaii to Iraq, highlighting the rise of the CIA after WWII and its influence, especially in Latin America during the Cold War years. Kinzer delves into the history of imperialism, detailing how the U.S. government overthrew democratically elected leaders around the world for political reasons and access to resources. The narrative explores the implications of U.S. interventionism and the tragic long-term effects of these regime changes.

'Washington Bullets' by Vijay Prashad is a scintillating read that delves into the dark side of US foreign policy and imperialism. It educates readers on the consequences of American actions on other countries, shedding light on the machinery of geopolitics employed by the US to promote its interests, often at the expense of others. Prashad's writing style is praised for being eloquent, concise, and informative, providing a comprehensive overview of the US's history of political assassinations, government overthrows, and military interventions since World War II.

Bitter Fruit: The Story of the American Coup in Guatemala by Stephen C. Schlesinger and Stephen Kinzer is a well-written and engaging account of the American intervention in Guatemala. The book delves into the historical context surrounding the revolution and coup, providing background information on the parties involved and the aftermath of the events. Through meticulous research and use of various sources, including Freedom of Information Act documents and interviews, the authors present a compelling narrative that reads like a thriller while staying true to historical accuracy. The story unfolds like a Hollywood conspiracy theory movie, shedding light on the darker aspects of US foreign policy during the Cold War era.