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.

Jamie Gaskarth is Associate Professor (Senior Lecturer) in International Relations at Plymouth University, UK

Contents:

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1. Accountability and Intelligence

2. Scrutinizing the U.K. Intelligence Machinery

3. Practitioner Views of Accountability

4. National Intelligence Accountability

5. Liaison and International Intelligence Accountability

Conclusion

Notes

Index