William T. Vollmann on Trying to Excavate American Foreign Policy From the Cold War to the War on Terror

The article discusses A Table for Fortune, a book by William T. Vollmann that explores American foreign policy from the Cold War (1966) to the War on Terror (2022). The book is divided into two parts: the first is a novel of ideas focusing on the CIA and geopolitical analysis, while the second is a novel of feelings centered on emotions and personal experiences. Vollmann explains that these parts could not fully cohere but were intentionally kept separate to reflect their distinct natures. The book aims to trace the roots of the September 11 attacks and their consequences, blending fiction with real-world events and archival research. Vollmann describes the CIA sections as resembling a 1940s science-fiction novel about Venus, emphasizing the uncertainty and speculation involved in reconstructing historical events.

Vollmann frames his book as a duty to examine American foreign policy, stating that as an American, he has a responsibility to speak out about his country’s actions. He acknowledges his lack of expertise but argues that his perspective as a citizen is valid. The book addresses topics such as torture, invasions based on false premises, surveillance, and lack of accountability within intelligence agencies. Vollmann expresses gratitude to CIA-affiliated individuals who provided insights, despite his criticism of their actions. He emphasizes that his goal was accuracy, though he acknowledges the speculative nature of many historical interpretations, such as the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, which could have multiple motives.

The book spans major historical events, including the Cold War (1966–1991), the September 11 attacks (2001), and the War on Terror (2001–present). Vollmann examines the U.S. government’s response to these events, such as the use of torture and the invasion of Iraq in 2003, which was justified by false claims about Saddam Hussein’s connection to the attacks. He also critiques the expansion of executive power, particularly during crises, and the role of intelligence agencies like the CIA and FBI in preventing or contributing to these events. The book explores how chance, human fallibility, and expediency shaped these outcomes.

DAVE is a fictional CIA analyst who serves as the protagonist in the book’s first part. Vollmann describes DAVE as highly intelligent, ethical, and persistent, despite facing challenges from superiors. DAVE’s career spans decades, including roles in analyzing East Germany and Iraq, reflecting the shifting priorities of U.S. foreign policy. Vollmann notes that DAVE’s experiences parallel his own, such as surviving colon cancer, which required the removal of a third of his intestinal tract. DAVE’s character is partly inspired by real-life CIA analysts, though Vollmann acknowledges that many details are speculative or fictionalized.

Matthew is DAVE’s son and another central character in the book. Vollmann describes Matthew as less intelligent but more cheerful and physically robust than DAVE. Matthew represents a younger generation grappling with the legacy of his father’s work and the broader consequences of American foreign policy. Vollmann also shares personal details about his own life, including the loss of his daughter Lisa and his experience with the FBI, which investigated him for terrorism due to a misunderstanding. He mentions obtaining a 700-page FBI file, with 500 pages redacted, and the emotional impact of these events on his family.

Vollmann describes the difficulties he faced in publishing A Table for Fortune, including resistance from his editor at Viking, who found the book overly long and irrelevant in parts, such as the sections on Angola. The editor also objected to Vollmann’s use of multiple fonts to represent different narrative styles, which Vollmann defended as essential to the book’s structure. Despite attempts to shorten the manuscript, the book grew longer, leading to Vollmann’s eventual dismissal from Viking. He reflects on this conflict with humor, noting that he prioritized artistic integrity over commercial success, even though he acknowledges the impracticality of his approach.

Vollmann critiques the U.S. intelligence community and foreign policy, arguing that overreach by the executive branch, particularly in secrecy, has led to harmful consequences. He highlights the CIA’s role in covert actions but also points to the Pike Report, which reveals how the White House coerced the CIA into actions like the Vietnam War. Vollmann expresses ambivalence about intelligence agencies, acknowledging their necessity while condemning specific actions such as torture, drone strikes, and the Iraq War. He also reflects on the broader impact of these policies, including the rise of terrorism and the erosion of public trust in institutions.