Secret Intelligence: A Reader

Editors: Christopher Andrew, Richard J. Aldrich and Wesley K. Wark

Edition: First

Publisher: Routledge

Pages: 552

Price: £90.00 and £26.99

ISBN: 9780415420235 and 420242

Secret intelligence, hitherto a neglected aspect of international affairs, can now figure in degree courses in history, politics, international relations and security studies, helped by this admirable and comprehensive reader. As the editors observe, academic research has had to work hard to keep pace with the flow of real-life events requiring analysis, but this impressive international team of scholars and practitioners places Northern Ireland, 9/11, Afghanistan and Iraq in an integrated and illuminating perspective. The book covers everything from “the lessons of Pearl Harbor” to the practicalities and ethics of intelligence work in relation to terrorism, counter-insurgency and peace-keeping.

Who is it for? Students on degree courses and participants in military, diplomatic or national security training programmes.

Presentation Extremely well-planned structure. The well-chosen texts are supplemented by an extensive bibliography (including web resources) and essay questions.

Would you recommend it? Yes, most strongly.