Intelligence Origins

Donovan, a pivotal figure in the establishment of the OSS, played a significant role in shaping American intelligence despite his Irish roots. His connections with the East Coast elite and British sensibilities reflect a complex interplay of influences that helped mold the CIA's foundational character. As Donovan's influence waned in the late 1940s, the agency began to adopt a more imperial flavor, showcasing its unique blend of American and British intelligence traditions.