Publisher's Synopsis
Intelligence in the Modern World provides the first thorough survey of the history of the emergence of intelligence agencies. The book begins by outlining a number of important definitions and key concepts for the study of intelligence. It then provides a 'pre-history' of intelligence from the Roman period to the end of 18th century. The authors begin with the transformation of European society during the French revolution before considering the influence of 19th-century empire building, great power rivalry and the two world wars on the character of intelligence agencies and the scope of intelligence activity. The book goes on to explore the role of intelligence in shaping the nature and course of the global Cold War. The final chapter considers the transformation of intelligence practices since the end of the Cold War and responses to threats posed by transnational terrorism and rise of the global internet.
The authors show how the rise of modern intelligence can only be understood as part of the wider story of the emergence of the evolution of the Nation-State as the chief provider of security inside its borders and a central actor in international politics. This is a crucial survey for anyone studying modern international history and security studies.
