The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), one of the most powerful intelligence institutions in the world, was created in the aftermath of World War II to centralize and coordinate America’s foreign intelligence efforts. Since then, the Agency has grown into a global force at the heart of U.S. national security. However, its history is not without controversy. From covert operations and intelligence failures to political scandals and internal reform, the CIA has long endeavored to balance secrecy, accountability, and effectiveness.