Infiltrating Foreign Countries: How CIA Spies Immerse Themselves in Local Culture

 

CIA operatives are tasked with highly sensitive and difficult assignments in the field of espionage. Their roles require them to gather intelligence, operate covertly, and maintain their cover while operating in foreign countries where their presence may not be welcome. To achieve their objectives, CIA operatives must blend in with the local population and immerse themselves in the culture of the country in which they are operating. Achieving this requires extensive training and preparation, such as learning the language, customs, and mannerisms of the host country.

     CIA operatives “blend in” by creating a convincing backstory and cover identity that aligns with the local culture. They may pose as businesspeople, journalists, or students to gain access to sensitive information or build relationships with key individuals. They often dress, act, and participate in activities that are popular in the host country, and are often seen at social events.

     They are well-schooled in knowing how to build trust with the local population, and they often use intermediaries such as trusted community leaders or businesspeople to help establish these relationships. Their end goal is to build a network of informants who can provide critical intelligence.

     As a matter of survival, CIA operatives must also be aware of their surroundings and adapt their behavior to fit the situation, which may include using low-tech communication methods or changing their appearance.

     One real-life example of the importance of situational awareness is CIA operative Tony Mendez, during the Iran hostage crisis in 1979. Mendez disguised himself as a Hollywood producer and immersed himself in Iranian culture to make his cover story more convincing.

     Another example is Mark Lijek, who posed as a journalist for United Press International to gain access to sensitive information about the Iranian government's plans. He was a former US diplomat who was working in Tehran during the Iranian Revolution, successfully escaped with his wife and four other Americans after taking refuge at the Canadian embassy.

     A third example is Valerie Plame, a CIA operative who worked in the agency's Counterproliferation Division. She used surveillance detection and counter-surveillance techniques to be aware of her surroundings and adapt her behavior to fit the situation. Her ability to be aware of her surroundings and adapt her behavior allowed her to carry out her missions without drawing attention to herself. Years ago, I wrote an article on Valerie Plame and how her mission was thwarted: Karl Rove and Dick Cheney Made All Americans ‘Fair Game’.

     In the world of spy thriller fiction, a successful CIA operative uses these strategies in MISSION OF VENGEANCE. CIA spymaster Corey Pearson blends in with the tourists in Havana, Cuba to avoid being spotted by Cuban intelligence. He used his knowledge of the local culture and customs to create a convincing cover identity and to build relationships with key individuals. Pearson's ability to blend in with the local population and immerse himself in the culture of the host country was critical to his survival.

     In conclusion, blending in with the local population and immersing oneself in the culture of the host country is a critical skill for CIA operatives, whether in real-life situations or fictional spy thrillers. Achieving this requires extensive training and preparation, as well as the ability to create a convincing backstory and cover identity that aligns with the local culture. Building trust with the local population and being aware of one's surroundings and adapting to the situation is also essential for success in the field. 

Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and enjoys writing about the U.S. Intelligence Community. He authors the Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster series. Check out his latest spy thrillers: MISSION OF VENGEANCE.