One of the most original works ever to appear in ufology, A.D. After Disclosure is the first work of non-fiction to examine not only whether or not UFO secrecy can ever end, but ... what then? How would "Disclosure" transform our world? 

 

Richard Dolan and Bryce Zabel fearlessly tackle the difficult questions about the post-Disclosure world, including winners and losers in government, science, religion, media, culture, law, education, and politics. Life will go on after the truth is told, but it will never be the same. 

 

Like each one of Richard Dolan's books, this one has helped to redefine key issues and problems in the study of UFOs. Bryce Zabel, his co-author, was the creator of NBC's television show, Dark Skies, which portrayed the UFO reality and cover-up during the Kennedy-Johnson era. The result of their collaboration is a book that not only provides deep analysis of impossibly difficult questions, but is a riveting read.  

 

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Introduction

 

Thousands of books have been published, all debating whether UFOs are real or just figments of our imaginations.

 

This book is not one of them.

 

Over six decades into this quiet revolution, we can now see the outlines of a reality that has been sneaking up on us, one step at a time. The issue that was hushed up by one generation, then turned into an object of derision by another, now demands to be heard straight up in ours.

 

Since the first major wave of UFO sightings in 1947, the number of people who believe that UFOs are of extraterrestrial origin has steadily risen. Today a majority of Americans, as well as other global citizens, believe that this is so, and at least five percent claim to have seen a UFO.

 

The evidence that something strange has been happening is voluminous and convincing. All you have to do is look for it. Over the years, determined researchers have forced the release of once-classified reports prepared by the U.S. government and other nations. These accounts tell a story of contact through the eyes of thousands of professional witnesses – law enforcement, military pilots, and even astronauts. Most of the public now rejects the theory that all sightings can be explained away as weather balloons, swamp gas flares, ball lighting, or mass hallucination. Instead, people seem to have settled on one conclusion:

 

At least some UFOs appear to be intelligently controlled physical craft of some kind from some place that is not here.

 

Accepting that as our starting point is what makes our book different.

 

A.D. After Disclosure is the first project to focus on what might happen after an announcement that UFOs are real.

 

Even if you have been a skeptic on the subject of UFOs or, if you do believe in them but doubt that the secrecy is likely to end any time soon, this book should still engage you. Consider it a fascinating “what if?”

 

What if UFO secrecy were to end? How would that change our world?

 

No secret can last forever. Our own society is changing so fast, so completely, that we are likely to be unrecognizable within a mere century from now. In such a world, with intelligent computers, advanced quantum computing, and nearly unforeseeable developments in global communication, can we really believe that a secret such as the presence of an alien intelligence on Earth can continue to remain hidden and undisclosed? At what point between now and then do we cross the threshold of knowing the truth about UFOs, and having an open acknowledgment of them in our world? It might be as soon as next week, or as long as several more generations, but it will not be forever. It will happen. The wall of official denial that has been in place for more than half a century now is showing cracks.

 

And yet, an acknowledgment that “UFOs are real and some of them are not us” will not end the debate, but only lead to more questions. It might also mark a new phase of the mystery.

 

Will Disclosure lead to social panic? Undermine religion? Destroy the stock market? Or will it lead to revolutionary new technologies, extended life spans, and world peace?

 

If alien civilizations have sent their own explorers across the universe to visit us, who are they? What do they want? And why would some of our own people have kept the news of their arrival from the rest of us? What will unmasking a truth of this magnitude do to our reality, our way of life, our culture, our society? Could it be that these beings are not “visitors” from another part of our universe, but full-time residents of our world already? Are even stranger physics involved, such as dimensions or time travel?

 

Any such revelation will be a game-changer of monumental proportions. Unlike 9/11 when we said everything changed, in this case it really will.

 

Full Disclosure could usher in an age of human unity, or it could lead to global despair. It could lead to a whole new age, or it could bring the world to its knees.

 

Those are the questions that have kept both of us up at nights. Because we wanted answers, we have written this book. Both of us feel that our previous research has led us inexorably to this project. We may now be believers in UFO reality, but we did not start out that way. We followed the facts where they led.

 

Richard Dolan has a graduate degree in history from the University of Rochester, where he studied U.S. Cold War strategy, Soviet history, and international diplomacy. He was writing a book about U.S. national security policy in the early Cold War years, when he became fixated on the issue of UFOs. His research evolved into UFOs and the National Security State, a multi-volume historical study of the attitudes and policies toward UFOs by the military and intelligence community, and the fascinating development of the citizen movements to end UFO secrecy.

 

Bryce Zabel grew up near McMinnville, Oregon, just a few miles from the spot where two of the most famous UFO photographs in history were taken. Even so, as a TV network correspondent and investigative reporter, he started as a skeptic. Yet, he found his mind opening when his research for several high-profile film and TV projects suggested to him that UFOs were not science fiction, but science fact. He created the NBC TV series, Dark Skies, wrote the SyFy Channel’s first original film Official Denial, and worked with Steven Spielberg on Taken.

 

Throughout both our careers, we have each sifted through the evidence, listened to the believers and deniers and, in truth, done the homework that investigative journalists and university scholars should have done, but which few have even tried. And while the work has been rewarding, it has never been easy, and has often been troubling.

 

A detached review of the proven evidence, much of which is freely available via once-classified documents released through the Freedom of Information Act, tells us that militaries from around the world have been plagued by UFOs. There is no other way to characterize this. Time after time, sensitive and restricted air space has been the scene of violations by objects tracked on radar and seen visually by base personnel. Attempts to intercept have often been made, all of which seem to have ended in failure. The documents describe these unknown objects as performing maneuvers that would have destroyed our best fighter aircraft. UFOs could hover indefinitely, and then accelerate instantaneously. Witnesses often described them as roundish or disk-shaped, giving rise to the term “flying saucer.”

 

To read one or two such reports, we might well be inclined to dismiss them as mistakes: unknown natural phenomena, equipment malfunctions, or some other error in perception. But hundreds of such reports have come down to us. Their tone is serious. Higher level military and intelligence personnel discussed them and were left perplexed and sometimes distressed.

 

The general scenario is clear. Advanced technology has been traversing the Earth. Whoever it belongs to, it is technology that is not supposed to exist – and yet it does. Moreover, those individuals in strategic positions of power were able to create and maintain a system of secrecy designed to keep the rest of the world in the dark.

 

Was it right to keep this secret from the people since the 1940s? To laugh at people who saw what they saw, to make them feel small and ridiculous for speaking out? To transform the most important information of our time into fodder for stand-up comedians?

 

No, it was not. Perhaps, after the truth is known, there will be efforts to bring some of these secret-keepers to justice. More likely, many people will shrug their shoulders and reflect that they might have done the same thing had they been confronted with the problem of UFOs. They will also find, as we have in the course of our research, that the problem of UFOs has seldom been clear, and never simple.

 

And yet, whatever the reasons for keeping us in the dark, we deserve to hear the full story now. We deserve to make our own plans. The truth may be wonderful, or it may be disturbing, but whatever it is, people have the capacity, and more importantly the right, to learn it and act upon it.

 

In any case, we as a society will learn it. The structure of secrecy, when it falls apart in the months or years ahead, could disappear with astonishing speed. One day it will be there and the next it will not.

 

We have structured this book in what we believe is a logical ten chapter sequence. First, in “Day One,” we paint a picture of the momentous Day of Disclosure itself, taking you along with us on one scenario as the President of the United States joins with other leaders to make the announcement that changes the world. As we predict, it will not be made willingly or free from duress. Rather, outside events will probably force the issue. We ask the question, too, of “how much disclosure” a President will provide, and indeed how much will even be possible.

 

Then a bit of history is in order. Chapters 2 and 3 – “Facts in the Air” and “Breakaway” – describe the history of UFOs and the nature of the cover-up, respectively. How strong is the evidence for UFOs? Why would secrecy about the subject even be necessary? How is it possible for the “powers-that-be” to hide something so significant for so long? These and other relevant questions are asked and answered, providing a concise treatment of the modern UFO phenomenon in all its controversial glory. One of our conclusions is that the appearance of unknown and highly advanced objects prompted the creation of a deeply secret infrastructure that over the years has moved farther and farther ahead of the rest of the world. So far ahead that, in many respects, we may consider them a fledgling civilization, one that has broken away from our own. Extreme challenges appear to have created extreme solutions.

 

Once the reader is caught up with the background, it is time to study the possible “triggers” that will prompt the end of secrecy. At this point we leave the solid ground of what is known and begin to speculate. Yet, such speculation is of the feet-firmly-on-the-ground variety, based on analyzing the most probable immediate causes – both of the short-term and long-term. This is the theme of Chapter 4, “Endgame.”

 

Much of Disclosure will hinge on the nature of these other beings themselves. In Chapter 5, “Threat Analysis,” we examine the questions: Who are they? What might they want? Are we safe? In so doing, we review the best research about the possible nature of these strange visitors, discovering that there are more (and more interesting) possibilities than many people may have realized. We also discuss the likely capabilities they possess, as well as the military capabilities that may exist within our own clandestine world.

 

After this, we return our focus to our society and how Disclosure will play out. There will be hell to pay, and some will pay more than others. This is the theme of “Blowback,” Chapter 6. Here, we provide in-depth analyses of the effects of Disclosure on some of our major institutions: government, the economy, our legal system, and the media. The result is often not pretty. Disruptions of all kinds, public outrage, financial panics, and even martial law are all discussed. In this chapter, difficult questions are raised that we have not seen debated anywhere else: will there be Congressional investigations of the cover-up and how might they develop? Will Presidential pardons be effective in stopping the political bloodletting? How will Disclosure affect the Fourth Estate, which for years assisted the cover-up by ridiculing and dismissing UFOs? How will our legal system incorporate the reality of an alien presence that might not recognize our laws? How will the discovery (and presumed exploitation) of UFO technology affect our economy, in particular our reliance on petroleum? What will happen to the stock market? Will fortunes be lost? Gained? Will Disclosure tear apart the very fabric of social cohesion, resulting in a new Dark Age?

 

To this last question, we believe the answer is no. No matter how great the crisis, there will eventually be a “new normal.” Chapter 7 (“The (New) Age of Aquarius”) describes this, focusing on how Disclosure will, after the shock and awe have faded somewhat, result in a modern Renaissance of the human mind and spirit. The liberal arts will see a resurgence, as will the study of mathematics and the sciences. In a sense, we will also see a 21st century version of the 1960s, in which a great shock (the JFK assassination in one case, UFO Disclosure in the other) is followed by disillusionment. This in turn contributes to a strong counterculture that questions old beliefs and looks suspiciously at the establishment. There will be attempts to institute new systems and establish new utopias.

 

In Chapter 8, “Paradigm Shift,” we study the effect of Disclosure on the two most central and most distinguishing structures of human thought: Religion and Science. Will the acknowledgment of “Others” interacting with humanity on Planet Earth shatter our religious conceptions? Will they destroy belief in God? Will there be differences in how the major religions of the world react to the news? We conclude that religions will survive, that belief in God will in all likelihood remain, but that new accommodations will need to be made by some of the world’s religions. Science, in one sense, will suffer a harder blow: scientists the world over have, as a rule, have failed to take seriously the possibility that intelligent life from elsewhere might come to Earth. They will be in a state of shock for a time. But while scientists reel, science itself will benefit from the injection of fresh perspectives and new horizons. We will see, in fact, a new scientific revolution, and possibly one that fuses these two long-warring belief systems to each other, rather than breaking them further apart.

 

Chapter 9, “Exopolitics Rising,” discusses the politics of this brave new world. Who will be making the decisions affecting humanity? How can elected officials reclaim authority from the world of black budgets and enable representative government to survive? Will it be necessary to organize ourselves globally in order to meet the challenge of the arrival of beings from elsewhere? This gives us a chance to talk about the new relationships between humans and other beings, and between ourselves in a time when nationalism is challenged, politicians are discredited, and hope needs the world’s first exopolitician to step forward.

 

We end our journey to the future with a series of direct challenges. One is to the keepers of the secret, one is to the “Others,” and the last one is to you, the reader.

 

Those who have held this secret for so long need to understand that the river of time cannot stop, and that truth cannot indefinitely be denied. The day is coming when they will be forced to come clean, and it is best for them, as well as for humanity, that they do this sooner rather than later. We will need all the wisdom, foresight, and time possible to make a smooth transition to the new reality, After Disclosure or A.D.

 

To the Others, we remind them that, whatever their attitude about the human race, our scientific trajectory may soon enable us to leap into their world. It may well be that, at some point in the future, they will be forced to answer to us for past transgressions, or we may be thanking them for past services rendered. Either way, the human race is poised to advance to the next level of civilization.

 

We end this book with a piece of advice: no fear. That means do not be afraid to express your views regarding the reality of other intelligences interacting with humanity, for the truth is that more people believe this than you realize. Do not fear the secret-keepers, for they are people, too, who have generally done what they have out of the belief that it was best. Also, do not fear their power, as they are not infallible, and time is against them. You have your own resources to marshal the truth. Do not fear the Others, either, no matter what that truth may be. Whether they be angels, demons, good, bad, or indifferent to our fate, do not fear them. You lived well enough up till now, and you will survive well enough after the Great Change. Above all, believe in humankind, in our ability to face unexpected challenges, in the strength and wisdom that reside within us, much more than we realize, waiting for the moment to manifest.

 

While much of this book is speculative by its very nature, we have worked hard to keep such speculations informed and supported by solid research. You will notice, however, that some of the sources we refer to are listed as “confidential,” rather than by name. While we wish this were not so, there are many people who have been touched by this cover-up who do not feel comfortable speaking openly, either because of past oaths of secrecy, fear of personal jeopardy, or ridicule. We want our readers to know that, through our professional training in the fields of history and investigative journalism, we have applied standards of credibility to such comments. Only those individuals who cross a threshold of reliability have been included. Hopefully, the day is not so far away when all people can speak openly on this subject.

 

Because we are seeking, in a sense, to paint a picture of how we believe the future will look, we have added a series of vignettes, and have placed them between most of the chapters of this book. These fictional depictions are meant to convey some of the ideas we are expressing, and we hope that they help the reader form a concrete idea as to how Disclosure might affect our world. Better still would be to help the reader form his or her own ideas more clearly.

 

A final observation about this unique study. After assessing the probable transformations that will affect our society and ourselves following Disclosure, we have gained a deeper appreciation for why UFO secrecy has been maintained for so long. In that sense, even if Disclosure were never to happen, or at least never to happen as we think it will, we feel this book is of value nevertheless by demonstrating the multifaceted, revolutionary nature of the UFO phenomenon. You may not agree with all of our examples, scenarios, or conclusions, but we welcome the debate.

 

We are, however, confident that the truth will come out. We are not alone. And the Others are not light years away, some kind of cosmic pen-pals chatting by radio telescope. They are here, now.

 

The day will come when humanity reviews its history and divides it between everything before the truth was spoken out loud and everything A.D., After Disclosure. Soon enough, we will all be living in the brave new world of life after contact.

 

Richard M. Dolan

Rochester, New York

 

Bryce Zabel
Los Angeles, California

 

 

 

Reviews:

 

“This new book by Richard Dolan and Bryce Zabel is an important attempt to prepare us for what will one day be inevitable: an open understanding that we are not alone. Not in this universe, and not even on Planet Earth.”
Edgar Mitchell, Sc.D, Apollo 14 Astronaut

 

“I’ve imagined this future many times, but these guys actually wrote the book on it! Zabel and Dolan have brilliantly created a compelling blend of history and informed speculation that makes their exciting world seem like tomorrow’s news today. Don’t dare miss it! ‘Nuff said.”
Stan Lee, Creator, Spiderman, X-Men, Avengers

 

“What if the UFO cover-up is real and what if it ended? After Disclosure poses this fascinating question and looks at the societal consequences of such a revelation. Richard Dolan and Bryce Zabel have produced a thoughtful and provocative analysis that goes well beyond the usual scope of books on UFOs and alien life.”
Nick Pope, Former Chief of UK Ministry of Defence UFO Desk

 

“You may not have ever considered what life will be like after the reality of UFOs becomes publicly known. But Richard M. Dolan and Bryce Zabel have. Their book is absorbing and thought provoking. Don’t miss it.”
Jim Marrs, New York Times Best Selling Author of Crossfire

 

“Considering the overwhelming evidence that Earth is being visited by alien spacecraft and that many intelligence agencies and military groups have known this to be true for some time, we certainly need to consider the serious question of what happens when Disclosure actually occurs. This book by Zabel and Dolan is the first in-depth attempt to answer that question. It is long overdue and sets a high standard of discussion about this very complex issue. Well worth reading.”
Stanton T. Friedman, MSc., Nuclear physicist, Author of Top Secret/Majic, Science Was Wrong

 

“As a physician, researcher, and creative writer, I stand on the shoulders of others to see and climb the next mountain. A.D. After Disclosure is a brilliant, enjoyable primer that holds a feast of ideas that will make any audience think and wonder. This work offers a place to stand where others may take up the challenge and travel to places none of us could conceive. Richard and Bryce have performed a great service both to our culture and that of the ‘Others.’”
Dr. Jeffrey Galpin, Infectious Disease Specialist, Molecular Biologist, AIDS Researcher

 

“Disclosure, the formal acknowledgment by the world’s governments of an extraterrestrial presence engaging the human race, is inevitable. So was this how-to book on what to do when a new world begins.”
Stephen Bassett, Executive Director, Paradigm Research Group

 

“The governed can hardly give their consent when the truth is withheld from them. If insiders who claim to represent us have hard proof that we are not alone and they don’t share it with the people, then the blowback predicted by Zabel and Dolan in A.D. After Disclosure will be a mighty wind, indeed.”
Lars Larson, Host of nationally syndicated The Lars Larson Show

 

“This is an important book dealing with vital issues which are rarely considered. In my opinion, Disclosure is inevitable. Preparation for that moment should be an integral part of every thinking person’s worldview. The authors should be commended. They have done us a service.”
Coleman Luck, Writer/Executive Producer; Author, Angel Fall

 

“If Disclosure happens in my life, this is how I imagine it would occur. Richard Dolan and Bryce Zabel have left no stone unturned in capturing, in intricate detail, every aspect and every nuance of the events, the complexities and ramifications that would inevitably unfold with Disclosure. Thought provoking, highly imaginative, yet incredibly real. A must read for believers and skeptics alike.”
Don Most, Producer, Majic Men

 

“I’ve always known there was a UFO conspiracy and this book confirms all my suspicions. Furthermore, these two authors — Dolan and Zabel — must be in on it! How else to explain the astounding level of insight and staggering detail this book offers on what is supposedly a hypothetical situation? If you ask me, A.D. After Disclosure is all part of the government’s campaign to prepare us for the inevitable. But even if I’m wrong, these guys have done a masterful job imagining the unimaginable.”
Brent V. Friedman, Writer/Producer; Co-Creator of Dark Skies

 

“If the authors’ scenario happens, the world will be in for a profound shock. Our most effective tool to stay sane will be the family. Parents who read this book will be better prepared to talk to their children than the ones who treat this matter as a joke. Besides, ask your older kids — they already think what Dolan and Zabel are saying is the truth — they’ll probably want to talk to you first.”
Bruce Sallan, Writer and Radio Show host, A Dad’s Point-of-View

 

“Micro-organisms on the moon, biological bacteria on meteorites, structures on Mars, and the recovery of mortal beings at Roswell have all paved the acceptance that we are not alone in the universe. And not since the Brooking Institute Study of the ramifications of contact with a higher intelligence off the earth has anyone demonstrated with such comprehensiveness just what type of a world society would wake up to on such a fateful day. Not until Dolan and Zabel. The contemporary research they have accumulated in this book should serve as a primer for present and future generations. Not only to soften the blow, but also to provide us with hope. Hope, that even though much that we have faithfully accepted as reality, forever changed, will still usher in a time when we can peer at our neighbors up in the stars, and not just over the next-door fence.”
Don Schmitt, Co-Author of Witness to Roswell