NEW YORK — William J. Burns, the former director of the CIA and a notable figure in President Joe Biden’s cabinet, is preparing to release a memoir highlighting his tenure at the helm of the intelligence agency. The book, titled “Diplomat Spy: A Memoir of Espionage in Revolutionary Times,” is set to be published by Random House, although the release date has not yet been finalized.
Burns served as CIA director from 2021 to 2023 and was also elevated to a cabinet position by President Biden. In a statement, Burns expressed the profound honor he felt in leading the CIA’s dedicated personnel. He aims to shed light on their exemplary service and explore the essential link between espionage and statecraft in this transformative era.
As reported by Random House, the memoir provides a compelling personal account detailing Burns’ experiences engaging with some of the world’s most formidable adversaries during critical international crises. It also offers an honest exploration of the intense personal and professional challenges inherent in the intelligence field, while contemplating the future of espionage amidst rapid technological advancements and growing public skepticism towards governmental institutions.