- Does the CIA provide a net positive or negative effect on the globe?
- There are alternative political systems available
- I'd be surprised if the CIA didn't exert influence over Harvard
- Borders are a modern development.
American corporations, yes. The public, no.
So there is a very real possibility that the answer to the question: "does the CIA provide a net positive or negative effect?" cannot be answered until you add a qualifier " .. for its masters?", and then ask yourself, just who does the CIA answer to. The answer is, American, for sure not you...
As the CIA is an American intelligence organization, responsible for American interests, the correct question would be: "Does the CIA provide a net positive or negative effect on American power and stability?"
Now, we can debate that question all day long, but AFAIK the CIA has no responsibility to "the globe".
I guess I'm not the only one.