Disloyal Quote by Angelo Codevilla
“History is so full of high-level intelligence officials who actually worked for the other side that one is forced to conclude that whether or not top intelligence jobs attract the disloyal, they surely offer incentives to disloyalty.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview, 2005, Angelo Codevilla on intelligence loyalty
High‑level intelligence officials sometimes work for adversaries, suggesting that top intelligence positions may attract or incentivize disloyalty.
In simple terms: Intelligence jobs can draw or reward disloyalty.
Key Takeaway
Beware of hidden incentives in powerful roles.
Themes
loyal
security
trust
politics
ethics
Mood
cautious
critical
analytical
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- Government hiring
- counter‑intelligence
- policy analysis
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
Conflict of interest
institutional risk
moral hazard
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can reduce disloyal behavior?
- How do incentives shape loyalty?
A Different Perspective
Disloyalty can also stem from personal ideology, not just incentives.
