Introductory description

In short, this module aims to introduce to the various debates that have characterised the use of secret service by the state in the international and domestic context. Although the terms 'espionage', 'intelligence' and 'secret service' are all central to the concerns of this module they have been deliberately avoided in the above module description given in the handbook. This is because this module aims to situate all these things in a broader governmental context, viewing them as aspects of international statecraft or as constitutional problems or as issues of civil rights. Accordingly, this module is as much about how policy-makers make use, or fail to make use, of intelligence, and how secret services might be regulated within a constitutional framework, as about the practice of secret service itself.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

This module aims to investigate the nature of the 'vigilant state'. It focuses upon the apparatus developed by modern states to permit the surveillance of both international and domestic threats to their security - although the boundaries of the state are now fuzzy at best. It will examine the major competing theories concerning the repeated failure of the vigilant state in the face of surprise attack at the international level, subjecting these to careful comparative analysis and reviewing the competing theoretical explanations. Consideration will be given to the role of domestic political monitoring within both democratic and authoritarian states. Attention will also be given to the problem of reconciling clandestine and/or covert methods, traditionally associated with operational efficiency, with the degree of transparency and accountability normally expected of the executive of a democratic state. The final section of the module will turn to look at the future development of some of these issues against a background of rapid technical change and globalisation includng cybersecurity and online covert action .

In short, this module aims to introduce to the advanced debates that have characterised the use of secret service by the state in the international and domestic context. Although the terms 'espionage', 'intelligence' and 'secret service' are all central to the concerns of this module they have been deliberately avoided because this module aims to situate all these things in a broader governmental context, viewing them as aspects of international statecraft or as constitutional problems or as issues of civil rights. Accordingly, this module is as much about how policy-makers make use, or fail to make use, of intelligence, and how secret services might be regulated within a constitutional framework, as about the practice of secret service itself.

The module seeks to:

develop an advanced understanding of the origins and developments of intelligence services
explore the latest theoretical approaches to intelligence and surveillance
offer a sophisticated understanding of the issues surrounding intelligence failure
analyse key ethical and policy dilemmas and issues raised by CT intelligence
assess the contemporary debates about globalization and the future of intelligence
examine the importance of cyberespionage and the rise of 'hybrid war'
consider the importance of conspiracy theory

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• demonstrate an advanced appreciation of the historical context of intelligence
• critically discuss the characteristics of the accountability frameworks in a sophisticated way
• assess the strengths and weaknesses of advanced theoretical debates governing the intelligence cycle
• critically analyse, in writing, the current issues facing national and regional approaches to intelligence

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Subject specific skills

In addition to the acquisition of subject knowledge, students:
Will be able to debate and develop ideas about security and public policy.
Will be able to communicate scientific concepts to a non-specialist audience.
Will have the skills to plan and carry out an extended essay at an advanced level.
Will have demonstrated critical understanding of relevant theories and practices.

Transferable skills

Having studied this module, students:
Will be able to manage their time effectively.
Will be able to communicate effectively.
Will be able to organise, prioritise and negotiate effectively.
Will have demonstrated the ability to advance and extend their knowledge through significant independent learning and research.
Will develop their skills in the area of oral argument and policy debate.
Will have demonstrated the ability to produce a clear and detailed written literature report with appropriate presentation.
Will have demonstrated the ability to engage in reflective practice and produce a clear and detailed piece of reflective writing with appropriate presentation, reflecting on their work.
Will have demonstrated the ability to develop and deliver a clear and engaging oral presentation on their work.