In his article, "Theory and Practice of American Political Intelligence," Frank Donner brings up the poisonous effect of surveillance on people's invasion of privacy. Donner explained people adjust their lives to it. Donner's last reflection is for people to not just be frightened by surveillance but rather to do something about it like study how much money is spent on surveillance and who is accountable.

Surveillance, informants, and provocateurs are some of topics covered by Frank Donner with his article, "Theory and Practice of American Political Intelligence". Donner explained that intelligence practices exist so that everyone has something to fear.