Martin "Marty" Petersen
Author
Martin Petersen is a renowned expert on China and a retired senior executive with the CIA. Over his distinguished career, Petersen has become a respected voice on Asian affairs and national security, authoring numerous articles and analyses. His deep fascination with China, particularly Shanghai’s vibrant history, led him to write City of Lost Souls, his debut novel. Set in 1930s Shanghai, the book masterfully intertwines a gripping detective story with real historical events, vividly portraying the city’s complex social, political, and cultural tapestry.
Petersen’s credentials include a Master of Arts in Asian Studies with a focus on modern China. His expertise is further underscored by his impressive personal collection of over 600 books, maps, and articles on Shanghai. Drawing from four decades as a top CIA Sinologist, Petersen brings a unique depth of knowledge to his writing, earning praise for his ability to transport readers to interwar Shanghai with exceptional accuracy and insight.
Currently residing in the Texas Hill Country, Petersen continues to delve into Chinese history and culture. He enjoys collecting Shanghai memorabilia, reading widely, and savoring a Bombay Gin martini. With City of Lost Souls, Petersen has established himself not only as a historian and scholar but also as a compelling storyteller. He is already exploring ideas for his next literary venture.
Discover 'City of Lost Souls'
Dive into the enthralling world of 1930s Shanghai with Martin Petersen’s debut novel, ‘City of Lost Souls.’ This captivating detective story, set against the backdrop of a city teeming with intrigue and historical significance, promises to transport you to a time of complex social and political dynamics. Experience the vibrant tapestry of Shanghai through Petersen’s masterful storytelling and meticulous research.
Other Work From Martin Petersen
CIA Veteran on the Panama Canal and China in Latin America
In this episode of The Cipher Brief, host Ethan Mukul discusses the Panama Canal’s growing significance in global trade and U.S. economic security, prompted by recent comments from Donald Trump. Joined by Martin Petersen, a former acting executive director of the CIA and China expert, the conversation explores the strategic importance of the canal, concerns over Chinese involvement, and potential implications for U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy.
SpyCast PodCast
“The Greatest Analyst We Ever Had” – CIA Spy Chief Marty Petersen
Where to begin. Marty was described to me as, “the greatest analyst we ever had (truthfully),” would I be interested in speaking to him? Guess the answer!? The result, a SpyCast with a CIA analytic legend. For 40 years Marty analyzed intelligence for US foreign policymakers, trained a whole generation of analysts, and mentored figures who would go on to have senior leadership positions within American intelligence, such as former Acting and Deputy Director of CIA Mike Morrell. In this episode we talk China, Asia, making sense of the world, and a whole host of topical issues.
Cover Stories Podcast
Intelligence Matters Podcast
In this episode of Intelligence Matters DECLASSIFIED: Spy Stories from the Officers Who Were There, host Michael Morell interviews Martin Petersen, former senior CIA intelligence officer and Asia expert who spent over three decades at the agency. Petersen recounts the agency’s early assessments of unrest that led to the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests in China. Morell and Petersen discuss the training CIA analysts receive and Petersen shares the remarks he would make to all entering analyst classes. Intelligence Matters DECLASSIFIED is new series dedicated to featuring first-hand accounts from former intelligence officers.
Articles For The Cipher Brief
Martin Petersen, a former senior CIA official, shares in-depth analysis on global intelligence and security issues with The Cipher Brief. His articles explore the complexities of espionage, geopolitical conflicts, and the inner workings of intelligence agencies. Petersen offers a unique perspective, blending decades of field experience with sharp insights into modern and historical operations. Readers gain a deeper understanding of the covert world shaping global events.
What I Learned in 40 Years of Doing Intelligence Analysis for US Foreign Policymakers
Martin Petersen is a retired senior CIA Directorate of Intelligence (DI) officer and the author of several articles on intelligence and intelligence analysis. In late 2009, he was asked by then-Director of Intelligence Michael Morell to create a course for managers on reviewing analytic products and teaching tradecraft, which became the Art of Review Seminar. This article is adapted from remarks delivered to DI managers in September 2010.
Reflections on Readings on 9/11, Iraq WMD, and Detention and Interrogation Program
Martin Petersen, a retired senior CIA Directorate of Intelligence (DI) officer, examines the pivotal readings that influenced the CIA’s understanding of the 9/11 attacks and their broader implications. Drawing on his extensive expertise, he reflects on the evolution of analytic practices in the years following the tragedy. This article offers a thoughtful exploration of the lessons learned and their lasting impact on the intelligence community’s approach to counterterrorism.
What We Should Demand From Intelligence
In this article, Martin Petersen, a retired senior CIA officer, explores the evolving expectations placed on the U.S. Intelligence Community. He examines the balance between intelligence capabilities and the limits of its predictive power, addressing how policymakers and the public should evaluate intelligence performance. Through thoughtful analysis, Petersen offers a framework for understanding what intelligence can and cannot achieve in a rapidly changing world
The Future of East Asia: Meeting the Challenge of the Eight Realities
Martin Petersen delves into the critical trends shaping East Asia’s strategic environment in the coming decades. He highlights the region’s economic growth, political evolution, and shifting security dynamics, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities for U.S. engagement. Drawing on his extensive experience, Petersen provides a comprehensive overview of the “eight realities” that will define East Asia’s future and its implications for U.S. policy
Spy Fiction and Spy Reality
On March 20, 2025, Dr. Michael Ard, Program Director for the Master of Science in Intelligence Analysis in the Advanced Academic Programs in the Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences of Johns Hopkins University, and I discussed what we might learn from well written spy novels. Dr. Ard had approached me based on my government career and the success of my novel City of Lost Souls. Our exchange was recorded and will be used in a class exploring the ethics of intelligence. These are the questions he asked and my notes that I drew on in answering.
Spy Fiction and Spy Reality
On March 20, 2025, Dr. Michael Ard, Program Director for the Master of Science in Intelligence Analysis in the Advanced Academic Programs in the Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences of Johns Hopkins University, and I discussed what we might learn from well written spy novels. Dr. Ard had approached me based on my government career and the success of my novel City of Lost Souls. Our exchange was recorded and will be used in a class exploring the ethics of intelligence. These are the questions he asked and my notes that I drew on in answering.
Ebook Available
PDF, EPUB & MOBI
Discover the magic of Martin Petersen’s latest novel, now available in ebook format.