Intelligence and security

Abstract

Though, undoubtedly, the work of the intelligence community can be violent, and even involve death, it mostly involves painstaking research and the collection and analysis of information through a wide variety of means. Indeed, information is a key concept when considering intelligence, because, as Michael Warner notes, every bit of information that exists is not intelligence. It is what is done with the information which makes it intelligence. But even here, there are differing views of what is meant by intelligence. The National Security Agency collects signals intelligence from a variety of sites around the world. Since September 11, 2001, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has played an increasing role in counterintelligence and counterterrorism within the US. A common accusation made about Chinese intelligence is that it is engaged in espionage and cyberspace activities – which seem to be centred on scientific and technological targets, whether civil or military.