The term agent of influence is a pejorative description of persons whose speech or activity is seen as being in the interests of a foreign power, and in some way directed by that power. According to Angelo Codevilla, the work of an agent of influence "can be far more valuable, subtle, and dangerous than that of a mere spy".[1]
In the US, activities on behalf of foreign power are covered by the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA enacted in 1938, and 22 U.S.Code § 611 et seq.[2] However, the term is used more broadly to apply to political sympathisers of the country in question, otherwise referred to as "fellow travellers" or accused of having "dual loyalties".
Alleged agents of influence
- Arne Herløv Petersen: accused as a Soviet agent of influence in Norway.[3]
- Peter Matthiessen: Writer and former covert CIA operative who claimed to have used the Paris Review as a cover for his agency activities.[4][5]
- Edith von Coler: Pro-Nazi propagandist who helped to bring Romania into the Axis.[6]
- Richard Gott: Guardian journalist
See also
References
- ↑ Angelo M. Codevilla, "Political Warfare: A Set of Means for Achieving Political Ends", in Waller, ed., Strategic Influence: Public Diplomacy, Counterpropaganda and Political Warfare (IWP Press, 2008), pg. 220.
- ↑ The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), Title 22 U.S.Code § 611 et seq (1938).
- ↑ Thomas N. O'Brien, Russian Roulette: Disinformation in the U.S. Government and News Media, report (Columbia: University of South Carolina, 1989), p. 20.
- ↑ James Brady (28 February 2008). "Just Who Was CIA?". Forbes.
- ↑ Joel Whitney (2012-05-27). "Exclusive: The Paris Review, the Cold War and the CIA". Salon.
- ↑ Picard, Jacques (2010). Edit von Coler: Als Nazi-Agentin in Bukarest [Edith Von Coler: Nazi agent in Bucharest] (in German). Schiller Verlag, Hermannstadt. ISBN 978-3-941271-31-9.
External links
- Interview with Ralph de Toledano
- Van Hook, James C. (2005). "Treasonable Doubt: The Harry Dexter White Spy Case (review)". Studies in Intelligence. 49 (1). ISSN 1527-0874. Archived from the original on June 13, 2007.
- Agents of Influence—from Soviet Active Measures in the "Post-Cold War Era" 1988–1991
- The United States Department of Justice - The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA)
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