Phillip Deery Knihy

Through five case histories, the book provides a snapshot of political persecution in mid-twentieth century America.

Set against the backdrop of post-World War II Australia, the establishment of ASIO marked a shift in national security efforts, transitioning from intelligence gathering to active surveillance of perceived threats. By the 1950s, ASIO expanded its focus beyond communists to include peace activists, academics, and journalists, revealing a troubling politicization of its mandate. The book delves into the often-hidden personal stories of those affected by ASIO's actions, shedding light on the human cost of its counterespionage and countersubversion activities.