The dance of shadows: The New York Times and the CIA

Abstract

In the intricate realm of international affairs, the relationship between foreign correspondents of The New York Times (NYT) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) can be likened to a refined tango, where the worlds of journalism and espionage converge. This study, inspired by this metaphor, delves into the complex relationship between the NYT and the CIA that spans two generations of the Sulzberger family. Drawing from the “James Reston Papers,” it examines how these two prominent entities, the NYT and the CIA, navigated the intricate interplay of mutual dependence, conflicting interests, and the delicate balance between transparency and secrecy while vying for influence. Furthermore, it sheds light on the clandestine connections that bind the realms of media and intelligence, which have left a significant mark on the landscape of American journalism.