Trust but Verify: Imagery Analysis in the Cold War

Rating:
Summary: An interesting look at the Cold War... from space
Review: Having read Trust But Verify I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in either imagery or the former Soviet Union. This book gives a detailed account of how the formerly "hush-hush" career field of Imagery Analysis influenced international policy during the cold war. It may even encourage someone looking for a new career field to consider this interesting and challenging field.

Mr. Lindgren shows us how both the United States and the Soviet Union delt with issues during the Cold War. He focuses on the Soviet Union and how America came to out maneuver them during a very sensitive time in history. With superior intelligence and relitively level headed policy makers the United States wins the Cold War. Now with the Cold War over Mr. Lindgren has a fairly dismal view of the future where remote sensing and national policy is concerned.

I would however, caution actual imagery analysts. While technically accurate and interesting, the last chapter will most likely be insulting. With all due respect, Mr. Lindgren lives in academia and only visits the world of the Imagery Analyst. Keeping his background in mind (remote sensing and the former Soviet Union) it is easy to see why he would think the profession is headed in the wrong direction.

In short the book was definately worth reading. The historical aspect and the international infulence of the Imagery Analyst career field will keep you turning the pages.