The Watchers: The Rise of America's Surveillance State - Softcover

Harris, Shane

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0143118900 ISBN 13: 9780143118909

Publisher: Penguin Books, 2011

Synopsis

The Watchers Using exclusive access to key insiders, Harris charts the rise of America's surveillance state over the past 25 years and highlights a dangerous paradox: The government's strategy has made it harder to catch terrorists and easier to spy on civilians. Full description

About this title

Review:

"An absorbing look at modern spying technology and how it impacts average Americans."
-Booklist

"Harris displays an exquisite understanding of the intricacies of his topic and a remarkable sensitivity to the genuine concerns of the watchers and their critics.... A sharply written, wise analysis of the complex mashup of electronic sleuthing, law, policy and culture."
-Kirkus Reviews

"The Watchers reads like a thriller, and the story is sadly on the mark in describing our limited oversight of the government's surveillance powers. The nation needs to do better, and Harris' book is rich background to that task."
-Gregory F. Treverton, Director, Center for Global Risk and Security, RAND Corporation

"This is an astonishingly detailed, well-researched narrative. It tells the story of how, over the past two decades, U.S. officials developed the capability to put together massive amounts of information about any individual they choose to watch."
-James Mann, author of Rise of the Vulcans

About the Author:

Shane Harris writes about electronic surveillance, intelligence, and counterterrorism for National Journal.

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0143118900
• ISBN 13: 9780143118909
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 448