Former State Department Official Discusses Secret Ties Between US Intelligence and Academia

Mike Benz, a former official with the State Department, recently shared insights about a covert relationship involving a major US intelligence agency and the Ivy League. He mentioned in a podcast on X that this alliance has existed since the end of the Cold War, suggesting a strategic intertwining of academia, intelligence, and philanthropy.

Benz detailed what he claims is the development of a clandestine network that serves intelligence reporting agencies, primarily using charities that are typically perceived as neutral. “The merger between intelligence, academia, and charity has been a recurring theme,” Benz noted, referencing declassified CIA documents from 1999. These documents indicate that the CIA backed and influenced university programs dating back to 1951, with the intent to modernize educational systems abroad, particularly in regions of strategic interest to the US.

Benz pointed out how Indiana University, in collaboration with USAID on behalf of the CIA, mirrors previous actions by the agency, explaining that such soft power initiatives are less controversial when tied to NGOs perceived as more benevolent than intelligence organizations.

He highlighted that Harvard University’s Institute of International Development received funds from USAID during the 1990s, asserting its significant impact on reshaping the Russian economy following the Soviet Union’s collapse. Benz indicated that this is just one instance of how universities can become key players in wider geopolitical tactics, often without public scrutiny.

“Is this just about USAID? The $14 million funding for the modernized university in Vietnam, linked with USAID and Indiana University, resembles the work of Harvard’s International Development Institute under Jeffrey Sachs during the 1990s,” Benz stated. “When you see the University of International Development, it fundamentally mirrors the same structure supported by USAID.”

Benz introduced a concept he terms “BLOBs,” describing them as an elite network that connects various government entities like the State Department, DOD, CIA, and USAID, alongside multinational corporations, private equity firms, and influential NGOs.

“We have a mix of elite donors, multinational companies, hedge funds, and banks in this network,” he explained. “At its core lies the Ngoplex, which includes large NGOs and universities. For instance, Harvard’s Institute of International Development directly receives funding from USAID.”

Additionally, Benz has previously accused Harvard of functioning as a central hub for activities opposing former President Trump, claiming that one of its academic departments has been “weaponized” against him. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has revoked Harvard’s capability to host international students, citing issues related to campus climate and anti-Semitism, as well as concerns over the disclosure of foreign funding.