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Document created: 20 November 02
Air & Space Power Journal - Winter 2002

Intelligence Services in the Information Age: Theory and Practice by Michael Herman. Frank Cass Publishers (http://www.frankcass.com), 5824 NE Hassalo Street, Portland, Oregon 97213-3644, 2001, 252 pages, $59.50.

This collection of essays with a very British flavor addresses intelligence issues and challenges of the information age- subjects that will prove extremely useful as the US intelligence community grapples with its problems. The book’s efforts at pointing out contrasts between British and American intelligence gathering, analysis, and recruitment of mid- and top-level managers make it valuable to both historian and practitioner alike.

Herman deals with three overarching issues: an information-rich world, national-level intelligence strategy, and the interaction of intelligence with ethical foreign policy. All of these topics are interesting, but the individual contributions prove harder to follow. Because scholarly research and writing in the area of intelligence are still relatively young, years will pass before we have conclusive works in hand. Thus, we must consider this set of essays a step in the right direction. One chapter, of great interest to this reviewer, deals with the constant debate within the intelligence community on the merits of single-source versus all-source intelligence by examining British estimates of Soviet weapons development. Its discussion of transatlantic relationships crucial to the United Kingdom since World War II should give pause to American intelligence researchers. However, the inclusion of memoirs of the British cabinet, although amusing, does not seem to add to the scholarly research of intelligence workings or capabilities. 

The book examines intelligence as an input to national-security policy making, data gathered by diplomatic means, and the growth of battlefield intelligence that accompanies the emergence of a revolution in military affairs. A leading intelligence scholar, Herman has produced some new research here that readers should study closely, especially in the climate following the terrorist attacks of 11 September- specifically, who produces what, and what influence or relevance does it have as national policy is formulated or implemented? The book also challenges intelligence to transform itself from a national-security input for a nation state to a support for international bodies such as the United Nations, which currently has no information-gathering or analysis apparatus of its own. Notably, a long-standing European view holds that UN monitors in Iraq got into trouble when intelligence for on-site inspections was supplied from one side and then revealed to the Iraqi leaders. In short, Intelligence Services in the Information Age is a valuable book and a must read for people who study intelligence policy and problems.

Capt Gilles Van Nederveen, USAF, Retired
Washington, D.C.

Disclaimer

The conclusions and opinions expressed in this document are those of the author cultivated in the freedom of expression, academic environment of Air University. They do not reflect the official position of the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, the United States Air Force or the Air University.