Evolution And Development of Intelligence in International Relations

Abstract

The intelligence community has come to stay following its advent and evolution from a long time ago. Even in the early biblical times intelligence was adopted in espionage and spying by the children of Israel over the land of Cannan flowing with milk and honey. For instance, it was the intelligence report received by Moses that enhanced a smooth operation that led to the conquest of that land and outright possession of it. As nation States emerged, diplomatic alliances and collaborations formalized and deepened the evolution of intelligence. This study found out that non-State actors including terrorist and insurgent groups have equally used intelligence as its major tool for information gathering before launching mayhem on an area. The intelligence organizations of States surpass that of terrorist organizations in all ramification and can therefore be used in full capacity to contain any plans of terrorist groups, militia and even community conflict. The paper uses analytical method of historical writing and relied mainly on secondary sources to analyse the evolution of intelligence, argues that intelligence has become a major mechanism used by States for security purposes. The study proffered that intelligence and early warning mechanisms can be used together to combat any act of subversion of any kind by either terrorist, militia or insurgent organizations.