Facts and Fears
Hard Truths from a Life in Intelligence
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Facts and Fears
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Narrated by:
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Mark Bramhall
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Written by:
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Trey Brown
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James R. Clapper
About this listen
New York Times best seller
The former director of National Intelligence's candid and compelling account of the intelligence community's successes - and failures - in facing some of the greatest threats to America
When he stepped down in January 2017 as the fourth United States director of national intelligence, James Clapper had been President Obama's senior intelligence adviser for six and a half years, longer than his three predecessors combined. He led the US intelligence community through a period that included the raid on Osama bin Laden, the Benghazi attack, the leaks of Edward Snowden, and Russia's influence operation during the 2016 US election campaign.
In Facts and Fears, Clapper traces his career through the growing threat of cyber attacks, his relationships with presidents and Congress, and the truth about Russia's role in the presidential election. He describes, in the wake of Snowden and WikiLeaks, his efforts to make intelligence more transparent and to push back against the suspicion that Americans' private lives are subject to surveillance. Finally, it was living through Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and seeing how the foundations of American democracy were - and continue to be - undermined by a foreign power that led him to break with his instincts honed through more than five decades in the intelligence profession to share his inside experience.
Clapper considers such controversial questions as: Is intelligence ethical? Is it moral to intercept communications or to photograph closed societies from orbit? What are the limits of what we should be allowed to do? What protections should we give to the private citizens of the world, not to mention our fellow Americans? Are there times when intelligence officers can lose credibility as unbiased reporters of hard truths by inserting themselves into policy decisions?
Facts and Fears offers a privileged look inside the US intelligence community and, with the frankness and professionalism for which James Clapper is known, addresses some of the most difficult challenges in our nation's history.
©2018 James R. Clapper and Trey Brown (P)2018 Penguin AudioWhat the critics say
"James Clapper has written the best book on intelligence in a generation.... At a critical time in our nation, [Clapper] offers a crucial insight into the threat we face.... His great sense of humor also makes the book a pleasure to read." (Brookings)
"James Clapper might just be the nation's most experienced intelligence officer ever.... Facts and Fears does more than simply tell Clapper's own story.... Instead, he's written a book that stands with the likes of Robert Gates' first memoir, From the Shadows.... Clapper's book tells the first, thoughtful, in-depth history of the rise of the American intelligence community as a semi-united entity.... Readers of this memoir will find a more complex and nuanced portrait than they might expect. The James Clapper who comes across in the book possesses a self-deprecating charm and a wry sense of humor.... Every chapter of the book offers hard-earned lessons for our modern moment." (Wired)
What listeners say about Facts and Fears
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- estrobridge
- 2019-10-09
Great man, fine leader
Tons of details, too many synonyms. Lots of background. Truely a great American. A must read.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- John Hornby
- 2018-09-13
Fantastic Point of View
Jim Clapper is a decorated and dedicated public servant who served his country in countless ways. Amidst all the scrutiny of partisan fervor he still found a way to keep his ship sailing straight and never waiver. A candid and truthful account. Awesome read. #Audible1
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 2019-04-12
Such an interesting book
Really interesting loved it - some lovely heart warming humour. Thank you Mr Clapper you’re awesome!!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Kenkaren
- 2019-10-15
Terrific
Super! Well written, very insightful and provides food for thought. I enjoyed the narration. A cautionary tale for sure.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anna
- 2019-11-06
Should be made mandatory to be read in Highschools
I thorougly enjoyed reading this very factual book - it teaches a lot about how a state / country can protect itself from attacks from outside AND inside.
It provides excellent information on how the NSC was build (developed) and set up and the efforts it takes to speak power to truth and to leave the information gathered to the political realm - until Clapper points at the current attacks on democratic values and the American Constitution from the WH itself -
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- RT
- 2018-11-25
Slow Start
I struggled to get into the book initially while Jim Clapper talked about his professional life and all the different posts and titles he held. Once he started talking about the Intelligence work, the book became more interesting to me.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 2019-05-08
For James
I applaud your dedication to the IC and your country. The american people had it right, lesser of two evils, and the self promoting politicians had it all wrong on election day. USA is no longer the leader of the free world, in many respects, as Trump has erased that. It is like watching a never ending circus. I feel sorry for Americans in general. Great book. Your Canadian neighbour.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anneke Leupin
- 2018-06-28
Great historian!
This book is extraordinary! Written chronologically so it was easy to follow. I really admire Mr Clapper for speaking out the true to power as he calls it! Thank for this incredible piece of our history!
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Rory
- 2018-08-26
Well Done
Very well done. Frightens me to know who is in power now. Wish people would realize who they voted into power in the US.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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- Margaret Noble
- 2018-07-22
Long
It was informative and I love James Clapper but I want the book to end.
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