Military Alliances in the Twenty-First Century

Abstract

intelligence itself. While the detail of the book does not extend to modern-day intelligence, many of Herman’s observations are timeless: today, intelligence does what is has always done, offered information to improve decisions. Another important theme is intelligence as power. Just as intelligence has shaped diplomacy, it also remains an important strand in UK ties to allies, especially the US. Reflecting on post-Cold War issues in a 1997 paper reproduced here, Herman observes that UK intelligence ‘has a unique “upper second class” status in world terms’, underpinned by our transatlantic ties. Today, it can be argued that the UK remains an intelligence power, still retaining a significant global reach. Michael Herman’s scholarship has been immensely influential for generations of academics. Intelligence Power in Practice is an important addition to the scholarship, and the editing of the volume by David Schaefer is a worthy tribute to the importance of Herman’s scholarship and his legacy. Naturally, while heralding the ‘revolution’ in satellites (p.278) appears dated, the volume provides timeless lessons on the past, present, and future of intelligence. As such, this volume is a valuable collection of Herman’s writings and a fitting tribute to his life.