America’s Spies: Why Do People Betray Their Country?

Have you ever wondered about the mind of a spy? In this course, retired Army Intelligence and CIA clandestine officer Tom Hofer delves into the history of espionage in the US, from George Washington’s Culper spy ring to modern times. You’ll explore the career of notable American spies like Benedict Arnold, and the atomic spies and modern US spies in the intelligence community: Aldrich Ames, Ana Belen Montes, and Robert Hansen. Hofer examines the motivations for Americans who spy, contrasting with foreign citizens recruited to spy for the US. Hofer shares stories from his 40 years in the intelligence community, including personal knowledge of two imprisoned American traitors. While no classified information is revealed, you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of what motivates people to spy.