Season 3, Episode 8: James & Tom Risen, The Last Honest Man: the CIA, the FBI, the Mafia, and the Kennedy's - and one Senator's Fight to Save Democracy

Join Professor Jeffrey Sachs in his conversation with authors James and Tom Risen on their important, new book The Last Honest Man, a gripping biography of Idaho Senator, Frank Church.  The Risens describe the remarkable events of 1975, when Senator Church almost single-handedly took on the CIA and FBI, to hold them accountable for serious crimes that they had committed, including the CIA’s assassination plots and the CIA’s and FBI’s illegal surveillance of American citizens. 

This is an inspiring story of how one idealistic Senator battled the powerful and secretive US security state and temporarily brought it under public scrutiny.  Alas, it is also a profound warning for our own time - as the 1975 Church Committee was the last time in half a century that the CIA has been thoroughly investigated. Tune in for a fascinating discussion of pivotal events 50 years ago and their profound relevance for today. 

The Book Club with Jeffrey Sachs is brought to you by the SDG Academy, the flagship education initiative of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Learn more and get involved at bookclubwithjeffreysachs.org.

⭐️ Thanks for listening to Book Club with Jeffrey Sachs!

📚 Join the conversation and go deeper into the ideas shaping our world.

➡️ Subscribe to the newsletter for episode updates, readings, and behind-the-scenes insights: https://bit.ly/subscribeBCJS

➡️ Explore past episodes, show notes, and featured books: https://bookclubwithjeffreysachs.org

🎧 Download and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

📣 Love the show? Leave a rating and review - it helps more listeners find the podcast.

🔁 Share this episode with a friend, colleague, or book club who’d enjoy the discussion!