Secrets and Spies: UK Intelligence Accountability after Iraq and Snowden

Exploring how intelligence professionals view accountability in the context of twenty-first century politics

How can democratic governments hold intelligence and security agencies accountable when what they do is largely secret? Using the UK as a case study, this book addresses this question by providing the first systematic exploration of how accountability is understood inside the secret world. It is based on new interviews with current and former UK intelligence practitioners, as well as extensive research into the performance and scrutiny of the UK intelligence machinery. The result is the first detailed analysis of how intelligence professionals view their role, what they feel keeps them honest, and how far external overseers impact on their work

Moving beyond the conventional focus on oversight, the book examines how accountability works in the day to day lives of these organizations, and considers the impact of technological and social changes, such as artificial intelligence and social media.

Author: Jamie Gaskarth
Publisher: Brookings Institution Press
Published: 02/18/2020
Pages: 199
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.66lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.46d
ISBN: 9780815737971

Review Citation(s):
Choice 04/01/2021

About the Author

Jamie Gaskarth is a Professor of Foreign Policy and International Relations at the Open University, UK where he teaches strategy and decision-making. His research looks at the ethical dilemmas of leadership and accountability in intelligence, foreign policy, and defense. He is author/editor/co-editor of six books and served on the Academic Advisory panel for the 2015 UK National Security Strategy and Strategic Defense and Security Review.