THE RESPONSIBILITY GAP: THE CIA, COVERT ACTIONS AND VIOLATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL LAW

Angela Huddleston, Institute of Commonwealth Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London

Abstract

Throughout the course of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the United States of America has committed covert actions in virtually every major region in the world, particularly during the Cold War. These actions are not without their repercussions and have often led to massive violations of international law and human rights. Yet the US is not held responsible for its actions due to legal deficiencies that allow it to breach some of the most basic rules of international law without accountability. This paper examines the obligations of international law concerning covert actions before turning to state responsibility and highlighting the legal deficiencies that allow the US’ violations. It concludes by addressing what legal developments are needed to hold states responsible for their activities in covert actions.