Beyond States and Spies - (Intelligence, Surveillance and Secret Warfare) by Lewis Sage-Passant (Hardcover)

About the Book

Examines how corporations use intelligence to shape and navigate the world.

Book Synopsis

Scholars have long viewed intelligence as the preserve of nation states. Where the term 'private sector intelligence' is used, the focus has been overwhelmingly on government contractors. As such, a crucial aspect of intelligence power has been overlooked: the use of intelligence by corporations to navigate and influence the world. Where there has been academic scrutiny of the field, it is seen as a post-9/11 phenomenon, and that a state monopoly of intelligence has been eroded. Beyond States and Spies demonstrates - through original research - that such a monopoly never existed. Private sector intelligence is at least as old as the organised intelligence activities of the nation state. The book offers a comparative examination of private and public intelligence, and makes a compelling case for understanding the dangers posed by unregulated intelligence in private hands. Overall, this casts new light on a hitherto under investigated academic space.

Review Quotes

Beyond States and Spies corrects a neglected aspect of intelligence studies by exploring a long and colourful history of the private intelligence services. Sage-Passant offers a valuable addition to the literature by raising important ethical considerations as private intelligence outfits continue to proliferate.--Michael J. Ard, Johns Hopkins University