Technological Hubris in Intelligence Collection During the Cold War: A Critique of Professor Kristie Macrakis' Theories
Presentation Type
Event
Full Name of Faculty Mentor
Joseph Fitsanakis
Other Mentors
Additional Mentor: Aneilya Barnes, History
Major
Intelligence & National Security Studies
Presentation Abstract
This research consists of a critique of Professor Kristie Macrakis' theory of technological hubris in intelligence communication during the Cold War era. Kristie Macrakis is a historian of science who specializes in technology in societies. She is the author of Prisoners, Lovers, and Spies: The Story of Invisible Ink from Herodotus to Al-Qaeda and Surviving the Swastika, among other books. Throughout much of her research, Professor Macrakis uses the term hubris, a Greek word that can be defined as extreme self-confidence or arrogance. Dr. Macrakis posits that the United States was arrogant and assumed the technology its intelligence agencies utilized made them better than the USSR's. However, she argues that technology actually prevents the development of the intelligence community. This research will provide a critique of Dr. Macrakis' theory on technology and intelligence.
Course
HFA 310
Location
Brittain Hall, Room 101
Start Date
17-4-2019 4:10 PM
End Date
17-4-2019 4:30 PM
Disciplines
Defense and Security Studies
Recommended Citation
McCormick, Riley, "Technological Hubris in Intelligence Collection During the Cold War: A Critique of Professor Kristie Macrakis' Theories" (2019). Undergraduate Research Competition. 38.
https://digitalcommons.coastal.edu/ugrc/2019/oral/38
Technological Hubris in Intelligence Collection During the Cold War: A Critique of Professor Kristie Macrakis' Theories
Brittain Hall, Room 101
This research consists of a critique of Professor Kristie Macrakis' theory of technological hubris in intelligence communication during the Cold War era. Kristie Macrakis is a historian of science who specializes in technology in societies. She is the author of Prisoners, Lovers, and Spies: The Story of Invisible Ink from Herodotus to Al-Qaeda and Surviving the Swastika, among other books. Throughout much of her research, Professor Macrakis uses the term hubris, a Greek word that can be defined as extreme self-confidence or arrogance. Dr. Macrakis posits that the United States was arrogant and assumed the technology its intelligence agencies utilized made them better than the USSR's. However, she argues that technology actually prevents the development of the intelligence community. This research will provide a critique of Dr. Macrakis' theory on technology and intelligence.