The Sources of American Covert Action

• In Event: Poster Session: International Security II

Abstract

This project examines the causes of American covert action during the Cold War. Using a unique dataset of regime change operations, regime maintenance operations, and subversion operations, this article asks to what extent the sources of American covert action were systematic. Such systematic drivers include a potential target's position in the bipolar power struggle with the USSR, and the presence of a viable alternative government with governing preferences meaningfully distinct from the current government.

Author

• Jordan Roberts, Duke University