Intelligence power in peace and war

Herman, Michael 1929- (Author).

Summary: Intelligence services form an important but controversial part of the modern state. Drawing mainly on British and American examples, this book provides an analytic framework for understanding the 'intelligence community' and assessing its value. The author, a former senior British intelligence officer, describes intelligence activities, the purposes which the system serves, and the causes and effects of its secrecy. He considers 'intelligence failure' and how organisation and management can improve the chances of success. Using parallels with the information society and the current search for efficiency in public administration as a whole, the book explores the issues involved in deciding how much intelligence is needed and discusses the kinds of management necessary. In his conclusions Michael Herman discusses intelligence's national value in the post-Cold War world. He also argues that it has important contributions to make to international security, but that its threat-inducing activities should be kept in check.

Record details

ISBN: 9781107398696
ISBN: 110739869X
ISBN: 0511521731
ISBN: 9780511521737
ISBN: 1461949149
ISBN: 9781461949145
Physical Description: 1 online resource (xxi, 414 pages) : illustrations
remote
Publisher: Cambridge [England] ; New York : Royal Institute of International Affairs : Cambridge University Press, 1996.

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:	Includes bibliographical references and index.
Formatted Contents Note:	pt. 1. Evolution and outline -- pt. 2. Components and boundaries -- pt. 3. Effects -- pt. 4. Accuracy -- pt. 5. Evaluation and management -- pt. 6. The 1990s and beyond -- pt. 7. Summary.
Restrictions on Access Note:	NLC staff and students only.
Source of Description Note:	Print version record.