The Tao Of Spycraft Intelligence Theory And Practice In Traditional China

by Sawyer, Ralph D.

• ISBN13: 9780813342405
• ISBN10: 0813342406
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-02-06
• Publisher: Basic Books

Summary

InThe Tao of Spycraft, for the first time anywhere Ralph Sawyer unfolds the long and venerable tradition of spycraft and intelligence work in traditional China, revealing a vast array of theoretical materials and astounding historical developments. Encompassing extensive translations of relevant portions of theoretical military manuals previously unknown in the West (such as theT'ai-pai Yin-ching, Hu-ling Ching, and Ping-fa Pai-yen), the book spans centuries to trace the development and expansion of agent concepts, insertion and control methods, recruitment, and covert practices such as assassination, subversion, and sexual entrapment and exploitation, going on to explore counter-intelligence and all aspects of military intelligence, including objectives, analysis and interpretation.ButThe Tao of Spycraftis more than an examination of military tactics, it also provides a thorough overview of the history of spies in China, emphasizing their early development, ruthless employment, and dramatic success in subverting famous generals, dooming states to extinction, and facilitating the rise of the first imperial dynasty known as the Ch'in. The cases discussed-particularly those exploiting women and sex-not only became part of China's general mindset over the ages, but coupled with the theoretical writings remain the basis for the study and teaching of contemporary spycraft methods and practices as the PRC trains and aggressively deploys thousands of agents throughout the world, including the United States.

Author Biography

Ralph D. Sawyer, one of America’s leading scholars in Chinese warfare, has worked extensively with major intelligence and defense agencies. After studying at MIT and Harvard and a brief stint of university teaching, Sawyer has spent the past thirty years lecturing and doing international consulting work focused on China.

Table of Contents

Chronology of Approximate Dynastic Periods	p. xi
Preface	p. xiii
Early History	p. 1
Early Records and the First Spies	p. 3
The Spring and Autumn Period	p. 27
The Warring States Period	p. 85
Spycraft	p. 121
Fundamental Thrust	p. 123
Nature and Theory of Agents	p. 133
Operations and Control	p. 170
Secrecy and Countermeasures	p. 189
Covert Activities	p. 225
Systematic Programs and Psychological Warfare	p. 227
Assassination and Other Techniques	p. 249
Theories of Evaluating and Intelligence	p. 287
Basic Theory and Issues	p. 289
Knowing Men	p. 309
Character, Archetypes, and Typology	p. 360
Intelligence Applications	p. 377
Political Intelligence	p. 388
Military Intelligence	p. 425
Field Intelligence	p. 427
Classifications of Terrain	p. 467
Prognostication, Divination, and Nonhuman Factors	p. 519
Historical Practices and Their Rejection	p. 521
Notes	p. 549
Index	p. 597
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