Why Spy?
On the Art of Intelligence
Published on 11. June 2015
Book
Hardback
288 pages
978-1-84904-513-1 (ISBN)
Description
Why Spy? is the result of Brian Stewart's seventy years of working in, and studying the uses and abuses of, intelligence in the real world. Few books currently available to those involved either as professionals or students in this area have been written by someone like the present author, who has practical experience both of field work and of the intelligence bureaucracy at home and abroad. It relates successes and failures via case studies, and draws conclusions that should be pondered by all those concerned with the limitations and usefulness of the intelligence product, as well as with how to avoid the tendency to abuse or ignore it when its conclusions do not fit with preconceived ideas. It reminds the reader of the multiplicity of methods and organisations and the wide range of talents making up the intelligence world.The co-author, scholar Samantha Newbery, examines such current issues as the growth of intelligence studies in universities, and the general emphasis throughout the volume is on the necessity of embracing a range of sources, including police, political, military and overt, to ensure that secret intelligence is placed in as wide a context as possible when decisions are made.
Reviews / Votes
'Brian Stewart's musings on his long career in intelligence-related work--ably aided by the researcher Samantha Newbery--have the aroma of a good whisky, well-distilled. . . His book reads like an extended ambassadorial valedictory, as they used to be--and is all the better for it.' * The Spectator * '[F]ascinating ... [Why Spy's] four parts are divided into 13 short chapters, which are in fact concise essays on all aspects of spying. The chapters on types of intelligence, how intelligence is (or should be) assessed and deception operations are riveting, full of illuminating detail.' * The Scotsman * 'Drawing on a lifetime of personal experience and wisdom Brian Stewart, together with his co-author Samantha Newbury, explains why nations engage in espionage and how intelligence can impact on policy-making for good or ill. The authors do not shy away from addressing the more controversial aspects of intelligence work but make a convincing case that in this arena issues cannot be seen in black or white terms. This book, written with a deceptively light touch, is an important contribution to the field of intelligence studies.' * Nigel Inkster, Director of Transnational Threats and Political Risk, IISS, and former Director of Operations and Intelligence for the British Secret Intelligence Service * 'an interesting, thoughtful and readable book ... There is much to ponder over' * Asian Affairs * 'It is most unusual for a seasoned British official to write a book about intelligence. Brian Stewart, in this most remarkable and fascinating account, describes some of his experiences whilst reflecting on the deeper meaning of intelligence. His co-writer, Samantha Newbury, has added a wealth of secondary references to ensure that this is a book for the academic, the aficionado, and the spy.' * Michael Goodman, Reader in Intelligence and International Affairs, Department of War Studies, King's College, London and Official Historian of the Joint Intelligence Committee * 'Stewart ... argues from deep experience with intelligence in the Malayan crisis, service as a diplomat in Hanoi, as secretary to the Joint Intelligence Committee, and long experience in China. ... [His book is] elegantly written and a delight to read.' * The World Today * 'Why Spy? is a great introduction to the intelligence field, especially for American consumers of intelligence: the policy-maker and the military decision-maker.' * Parameters (US Army War College) *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 221 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
431 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-84904-513-1 (9781849045131)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Brian Stewart, MC, CMG, went from Oxford into the Black Watch and studied Chinese during the pre-Communist turmoil. His career in the Malayan Civil Service and during later postings in Asia, including in Hanoi during the Vietnam War, was frequently concerned with intelligence in the field and his subsequent position as Secretary of the Joint Intelligence Committee in the Cabinet Office gave him a bird's eye view of the intelligence bureaucracy both in Britain and the United States. He continued to work in Asia, mostly in China, after leaving government service and to follow developments in the intelligence world with a critical eye. Dr Samantha Newbery is Lecturer in Contemporary Intelligence Studies, University of Salford.