Washington D.C.

Spies, Lies & Intelligence: The World of International Espionage

Program No. 16126RJ
Discover a world of espionage and learn about spy history and 21st-century intelligence threats as you explore the nation’s capital and its museums with intelligence experts.

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At a Glance

The United States’ 18 national intelligence agencies have always been shrouded in secrecy. Now, some of their covert cases have been marked unclassified. On this fascinating adventure at the front line of the world’s spy coterie in Washington, D.C., delve into the history of covert intelligence in America and hear about the changing role of the CIA through America’s changing culture, foreign policy and politics. Learn about the art of espionage, find out how spies are recruited and hear stories of the many women who fly below the radar as master spies.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Standing in museums for up to two hours. Walking up to a mile a day.

What You'll Learn

  • Uncover Washington D.C.'s seamy world, from lesser-known spy history to famous spy cases — both the cracked and the unsolved, with retired intelligence experts and an NSA officer.
  • Explore the NSA’s Cryptologic Museum and the Spy Museum to learn about the secret world of code making and code breaking.
  • Hear from a cyber security specialist, and examine the role of intelligence in 21st-century threats from the Cuban Missile Crisis to the September 11 attacks.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Jon Wiant
Professor Jon A. Wiant is a decorated Senior Intelligence Officer with a distinguished 36-year career working on assignments at the Department of State, the White House, the Department of Defense and Central Intelligence Agency. Since retiring, he has become an adjunct professor at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. Jon has more than a dozen medals and awards for exceptional work in sensitive intelligence operations and has authored more than 50 articles and book chapters on intelligence and foreign policy subjects.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Jon Wiant
Jon Wiant View biography
Professor Jon A. Wiant is a decorated Senior Intelligence Officer with a distinguished 36-year career working on assignments at the Department of State, the White House, the Department of Defense and Central Intelligence Agency. Since retiring, he has become an adjunct professor at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. Jon has more than a dozen medals and awards for exceptional work in sensitive intelligence operations and has authored more than 50 articles and book chapters on intelligence and foreign policy subjects.
Profile Image of Robert Wallace
Robert Wallace View biography
Robert Wallace is a retired senior CIA officer, author, consultant and lecturer. As a recognized authority on intelligence history and “spy gadgets.” He was an Army Ranger in Vietnam, a CIA intelligence officer for 33 years and now an author and frequent lecturer on espionage topics. His published books include Nine from the Ninth: A Vietnam Memoir; Spycraft: The Secret History of the CIA’s Spytechs from Communism to al-Qaeda, The Official Manual of CIA Trickery and Deception and Spy Sites of New York City.
Profile Image of Scott White
Scott White View biography
Scott J. White is an associate professor and director of the Cybersecurity Program and Cyber Academy at The George Washington University. He holds a B.A. from York University (Toronto), an M.A. from the University of Guelph, and a Ph.D. from the University of Bristol. He holds a Queen’s Commission and was an officer with Canadian Forces Intelligence Command. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. White was an officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. He has consulted with law enforcement agencies and Fortune 500 companies.
Profile Image of Ronald Marks
Ronald Marks View biography
Ronald Marks was a CIA spy for 16 years in the struggle against Russian espionage operatives. He served as Congressional interlocutor for five CIA Directors and guided America’s intelligence interests for Senate leaders Bob Dole and Trent Lott. Ron has been a national security entrepreneur, spy raconteur, cyber expert, and international affair commentator. He is the author of “Spying in America in the Post 9/11 World: Domestic Threat and the Need for Change” that focuses on the challenges and legalities of U.S. domestic intelligence collection.
Profile Image of Steve Flynn
Steve Flynn View biography
Steve Flynn was raised in Oregon. He pursued graduate work in intercultural studies and has extensive experience leading educational groups for students and adults both within and outside the U.S. A current resident of Washington, D.C., he has spent his professional career working in international student exchange programs for the University of North Carolina system.
Profile Image of Ira Deutsch
Ira Deutsch View biography
Ira Deutsch was born and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. At age 20, he moved to Israel and joined the Israeli military, retiring with the rank of LTC after 26 years of military service. His service included international affairs, coordinating relationships with multiple countries including the United States military. Ira’s last assignment before retiring was as a Foreign Liaison Officer to the U.S. National Guard and FEMA, stationed in Washington, DC. His coordinating experience makes him uniquely qualified to serve as a Group Leader.
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