“Ever since 1969, I have pursued what amounted to two parallel careers, seeking as a researcher to improve my own and others’ understanding of the very phenomena I and others were, at the same time, trying by our activism to change or avert: the dynamics and dangers of the nuclear era and unlawful interventions, as well as abuses of the government secrecy system. I have felt that neither my investigation nor my resistance could safely be put aside to await the completion of the other. For nearly 50 years, alongside the activism which remains a large part of my ongoing focus, I have also kept up with the latest revelations and analyses on these subjects, which have helped shape my own evolving understandings.” —Daniel Ellsberg
The following pages summarize, in chronological order, the central arenas of Ellsberg’s professional and intellectual engagement.