Founded in 2017, Carlile Media is one of America's leading independent publishers of high-quality print editions, e-books, and audiobooks.
We specialize in “how-to” titles that help our readers grow their skillsets, achieve their goals, and expand their horizons.
The CIA PSYOP Manual - Psychological Operations in Guerrilla Warfare
The CIA PSYOP Manual - Psychological Operations in Guerrilla Warfare
Updated 2017 Release - Newly Indexed - With Additional Material - Full-Size Edition
Paperback Book
Carlile Intelligence Library
Available Now
THE INFAMOUS CLASSIC OF POLITICAL & COGNITIVE WAR
- Based on official C.I.A. declassified material.
- Learn the tricks and techniques of the trade and defend yourself against manipulation!
- All-new introduction, annotation, additional material, and index.
- Full-size 8.5"x11" format.
- Contains the full text of this remarkable manual, based on the 2017 FOIA release - not the older redacted versions.
- Newly-digitized text: large, clear print
- "Batteries last hours, books last decades: get the print edition!"
Psychological Operations (PSYOP) are a core component of all human competition and struggle: from all-out war, to low-intensity conflict, to the political and commercial influence operations whose effects we are exposed to by the news and other media every day.
Without the ability to win hearts and minds, to cement existing beliefs and loyalties, to sway the undecided and even to convince enemies to defect, no exertion of will directed at a group of people can ever be successful, regardless of its righteousness.
Furthermore, without an awareness of the techniques arrayed against us, anyone can fall victim to the efforts of influence operators whose malign intent may be focused on fomenting division and instability.
This fascinating manual was originally created for anti-Sandinista "Contra" guerrillas in Nicaragua in the early 1980s. In addition to its value as a historical document, the fact that it deals with the use of PSYOP by a paramilitary group during a period of overt war means that it possesses an honesty and urgency that would be unlikely under other circumstances: it treats subjects that would otherwise be considered taboo with blunt clarity. The reader is therefore left with no illusions about the lengths to which operators may go to achieve their objectives.
Controversy surrounding several such passages in the manual led to significant media attention in late 1984, and President Ronald Reagan ordered an investigation into its origins.
This definitive new full-size edition is based on the complete 2017 FOIA release of the manual, which has been transcribed, corrected, annotated, and newly indexed. It contains a new introduction and a file of related material from the CIA archives.
For information purposes only.
Search for "Carlile Intelligence Library" to find more fascinating, insightful publications for your professional bookshelf!
Proudly published in the U.S.A. by CARLILE MEDIA.
ISBN/SKU: 1949117200
Ready to buy?
People Also Bought
Reader's Guide
Q: Who is this book for?
A: This book is a strong choice for readers interested in intelligence, psychological operations, propaganda, political warfare, influence, persuasion, Cold War history, and the techniques used to shape attitudes and behavior during conflict.
Q: What does the manual cover?
A: It examines the use of psychological operations in support of guerrilla warfare, including propaganda, persuasion, organization, communications, recruitment, influence, political action, and methods intended to affect the attitudes and behavior of both supporters and opponents.
Q: What is the historical background of the manual?
A: The document was created in the early 1980s for anti-Sandinista Contra forces operating in Nicaragua. It became highly controversial after passages concerning coercion and political violence attracted public and media attention, eventually prompting an investigation ordered by President Ronald Reagan.
Q: Is this mainly a historical document?
A: It is an important Cold War historical document, but its interest goes beyond history. The manual offers a direct look at how psychological influence was analyzed and operationalized in a real political and paramilitary conflict, making it relevant to readers studying propaganda, information warfare, intelligence, and mass persuasion.
Q: Does the book discuss manipulation and influence techniques?
A: Yes. Psychological influence is at the center of the manual. It examines how messages, organization, symbolism, social pressure, communications, and political activity can be used to strengthen support, undermine opponents, and shape the behavior of groups and individuals.
Q: Is this the older redacted version of the manual?
A: No. This edition is based on the substantially more complete material released under FOIA in 2017 rather than the older heavily redacted copies that circulated for many years.
Q: What makes this edition different from a basic reproduction?
A: The original material has been newly digitized, corrected, annotated, and indexed rather than simply reproduced as a scan. The edition also includes a new introduction and additional related material from CIA archives, helping readers understand both the document itself and the controversy surrounding it.
Q: Is the book useful for understanding modern influence operations?
A: Yes, particularly as a historical case study. Technology and communications platforms have changed dramatically, but many underlying questions remain familiar: how audiences are segmented, how narratives are reinforced, how loyalties are built, and how information can be used to influence political behavior.
Q: Is this intended as an endorsement of the methods described?
A: No. The value of the manual is documentary and educational. Some of the practices it discusses are controversial and reflect the circumstances of a particular Cold War conflict. Studying the material allows readers to understand the methods, assumptions, and ethical problems involved rather than requiring agreement with them.
Q: Why choose the full-size edition?
A: The book is presented in a full 8.5 × 11-inch format with clear newly digitized text. At around 100 pages, it is concise enough to read through relatively quickly while still functioning as a useful intelligence-history and psychological-operations reference.
Publication Details & Specifications
| Format | Paperback |
|---|---|
| Series | Carlile Intelligence Library, Volume 8 |
| Edition | Updated 2017 release; annotated, newly indexed, with additional material |
| Print length | 100 pages |
| Dimensions | 8.5 × 0.2 × 11 inches |
| Item weight | Approximately 9 ounces |
| Language | English |
| Publication date | July 30, 2020 |
| ISBN-10 | 1949117200 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1949117202 |
| Source | Central Intelligence Agency |
| Source release | Based on the complete 2017 Freedom of Information Act release rather than older redacted versions |
| Historical context | Originally created for Nicaraguan Contra guerrillas during the early 1980s |
| Text preparation | Newly digitized, corrected and annotated text rather than a scanned facsimile |
| Additional material | Includes a new introduction, annotations, related CIA archival material, and a newly created index |
| Focus | Psychological operations, influence, propaganda, political warfare, persuasion, resistance movements, and guerrilla warfare |
| Format advantage | Large 8.5 × 11 inch format with clear, newly digitized text for easier reading and reference |
Affiliate notice: as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.