The International Politics of Intelligence Sharing

After two big American intelligence failures in 2001 and 2002, reform legislation placed an extraordinarily high premium on improving intelligence sharing. In the large volume of academic studies on intelligence, however, that topic has remained almost untouched. This important book fills this vacant niche with an analysis that is theoretically informed, well illustrated by case studies, and practically relevant in its conclusions. -- Richard K. Betts, author of Enemies of Intelligence: Knowledge and Power in American National Security By devising a systematic explanation for the occurrence and form of intelligence collaboration, James Igoe Walsh makes a lasting contribution to intelligence studies and the broader field of international relations theory. The fact that his volume explores the history of intelligence sharing and contemporary intelligence cooperation related to the European Union, counter-narcotics operations in Colombia, and counterterrorism, makes the International Politics of Intelligence Sharing all the more interesting and policy relevant. -- James J. Wirtz, Naval Postgraduate School

The cross-border sharing of intelligence is fundamental to the establishment and preservation of security and stability. The American invasion of Iraq in 2003 was based in part on flawed intelligence, and current efforts to defeat al Qaeda would not be possible without an exchange of information among Britain, Pakistan, Indonesia, and the United States. While critical to national security and political campaigns, intelligence sharing can also be a minefield of manipulation and maneuvering, especially when secrecy makes independent verification of sources impossible. In The International Politics of Intelligence Sharing, James Igoe Walsh advances novel strategies for securing more reliable intelligence. His approach puts states that seek information in control of other states' intelligence efforts. According to this hierarchical framework, states regularly draw agreements in which one power directly monitors and acts on another power's information-gathering activities-a more streamlined approach that prevents the dissemination of false "secrets." In developing this strategy, Walsh draws on recent theories of international cooperation and evaluates both historical and contemporary case studies of intelligence sharing. Readers with an interest in intelligence matters cannot ignore this urgent, timely, and evidence-based book.