Yale Bulletin and Calendar

February 28, 2003|Volume 31, Number 20

In his new book, former National Security Agency director William Odom argues for a revamping of the intelligence bureaucracy.

Yale Books in Brief

The following is a list of books recently or soon-to-be published by members of the Yale community. Descriptions are based on material provided by the publishers. To submit information about books for this column, send e-mail to opa@yale.edu.

Fixing Intelligence: For a More Secure America
William E. Odom, professor (adjunct) of political science
(Yale University Press)

In this new book, William Odom, former director of the National Security Agency, brings his experience to bear in giving readers an overview of the world of U.S. intelligence and recommendations for reform. Odom, who was also assistant chief of staff for intelligence in the Department of the Army and military assistant to President Carter's national security adviser, argues that America's vast intelligence bureaucracy must be revamped. He contends that the failure of American intelligence on Sept. 11 had much to do with the enormously complex bureaucratic relationships among the various components of the intelligence community, and that this fragmentation has blurred security and intelligence duties. Most damaging, he says, has been the decision to give law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, responsibility for counterintelligence. Among other reforms, Odom advocates the creation of a new National Counterintelligence Service, with coordinating authority over all other counterintelligence agencies in the government, including the CIA and the three military departments.

The Devil in Silicon Valley: Northern California, Race, and Mexican Americans
Stephen J. Pitti, assistant professor of history and American studies
(Princeton University Press)

In this transnational history of northern California, Stephen Pitti explores the growing Latino presence in the United States over the past 200 years. He argues that the "devil" of racism -- rather than computer programming -- has long been Silicon Valley's defining force, and that Mexicans, rather than computer programmers, should take center stage in any contemporary discussion of the "new West." Pitti weaves together the experiences of disparate residents -- early Spanish-Mexican settlers, Gold Rush miners, farm workers transplanted from Texas, Chicano movement activists and late 20th-century musicians -- to offer a broad re-evaluation of the American West. Based on dozens of oral histories as well as archival research, the book also explores the efforts of immigrant and U.S.-born workers, including such well-known Valley residents as César Chavez -- and chronicles the opposition ethnic Mexicans have faced in Santa Clara Valley. The book follows California race relations from the Franciscan missions to the Gold Rush, from the New Almaden mine standoff to the Apple janitorial strike.

T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

Two faculty elected to National Academy of Engineering

Stern reappointed as School of Architecture dean

New website showcases Yale's global initiatives

Unions declare intent to strike

Thompson cited for work on African and Afro-American art

'Father of fractals' discusses 'essential' role of math in life

Noted historian Garry Wills will deliver the Tanner Lectures

Event to explore how lawyers can use media to tell their clients' stories

Campus event draws New Haven schoolchildren who 'THINK BIG'

One of the recording industry's youngest executives . . .

Study reveals consumers want more data from weight-loss programs

Parents show no risk of heart attack when witnessing children's surgeries

Bright Beginnings receives grant in support of its work . . .

Campus Notes

Yale Books in Brief