ABSTRACT
The topic of national security intelligence – which at its core encompasses the collection and analysis of information, covert action and counterintelligence – has long exercised a fascination on society, as the popularity of spy movies and novels attests. The reason for this widespread interest is easy to understand, for the motivations that lead to intelligence operations reside at the heart of the human psyche. Human beings, like other living species, seek security from threats; moreover, they hope to improve their station in life. Fear and ambition – here are powerful, primordial instincts that have driven kings, tyrants, prime ministers and presidents, while providing fodder for Shakespeare and countless other scribblers down through the ages.
