Why They Were Double Agents

Paper Summary:

The paper uses two of the most famous breeches of United States intelligence agencies, those involving Aldrich Ames and Robert Hanssen, to show that the individual psychology of intelligence officers is often the source of leaks and betrayal. The paper looks at Ames' monetary desires and Hanssen's thirst for appreciation that encouraged them to become double agents. The paper highlights how in both cases the obvious symptoms of a mole were absent.

From the Paper:

"In terms of national security, counterintelligence remains an essential component of maintaining a firm and secure hold upon potentially dangerous information. It is widely recognized that within a setting in which competing intelligence organizations are continually attempting to infiltrate the ranks of other intelligence agencies, deciding who is privy to what is often a dangerous gamble. Intelligence agencies must be conscious of the type of individuals they put in possession of delicate bits of information; this applies not merely to the background, past affiliations, and political views of these people; the individual psychology of intelligence officers is often the source of leaks and betrayal. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Court TV. "Crime Library: Criminal Minds and Methods: the Story." CourtTV.com, 2007. Available: http://www.crimelibrary.com/terrorists_spies/spies/ames/1.html.
• Court TV. "Crime Library: Criminal Minds and Methods: Switching Teams." CourtTV.com, 2007. Available: http://www.crimelibrary.com/terrorists_spies/spies/hanssen/8.html

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