Intelligence and espionage affairs are often treated as an intriguing yet anecdotal parts of diplomatic history. Nevertheless, a closer look at key junctures of international relations in the last two centuries exposes the central role strategic intelligence plays in international politics. The fate of nations has often been decided on the basis of their ability to gather, evaluate and understand information about the international system that surrounds them. In addition, the world of strategic intelligence provides a distinctive setting for international interaction. Intelligence affairs have been both a key arena for international conflict as well as a platform for international co-operation. Moreover, the political importance of discussing intelligence's role in foreign policy is underscored by the moral and practical dilemmas the practice of global espionage presents to political leaders in democratic societies. Dilemmas about the methods and scope of intelligence gathering often reflect on the delicate balance between civil rights and national security.
The course examines the influence of strategic intelligence on international relations by analyzing key events and developments in the last seventy years of diplomatic history. It focuses on investigating the interface between intelligence and strategic decision-making in times of war and peace and the way this interface affects global politics. Applying a combination of historical and contemporary perspectives, the course focuses on three empirical frames: The Second World War, the Cold War and the contemporary context of counterterrorism efforts in the cyber age.
In addition, the course wishes to utilize the unique role the teaching location - the city of Berlin - played in the history of international espionage throughout the 20th century. The course will include field trips to several historical sites within the city limits which embody the relation between espionage and global affairs.
General readings:
- Betts R. K. (2009) Enemies of Intelligence: Knowledge and Power in American National Security. Columbia University Press.
- George R. Z., & Bruce J. B. (Eds.) (2008). Analyzing Intelligence: Origins, Obstacles, and Innovations. Georgetown University Press.
- Herman M (1996). Intelligence Power in Peace and War. Cambridge University Press, 1996).
- Jervis R (2010). Why Intelligence Fails: Lessons from the Iranian Revolution and the Iraq War. Cornell University Press.
- Lowenthal M (2003). Intelligence: From Secrets to Policy. Washington, D.C.: CQ Press.
- Murphy D. E., Kondrashev S. A., & Bailey G. (1997). Battleground Berlin: CIA vs. KGB in the Cold War.
Instructor Information:
Dr. Gil Murciano is a policy analyst and scholar specializing on Security Studies and Middle- Eastern international politics. He is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the SWP and had recently served as a Fox Fellow at Yale University. Murciano has served for more than a decade in different governmental and non-governmental capacities within the Israeli national security and foreign affairs community. Before completing his doctoral studies at FU Berlin, he worked as a senior foreign policy analyst at the Tel Aviv-based Reut Institute for Strategic Thinking (currently known as the Reut Group). Before joining Reut, Gil worked as an analyst at the Israeli Prime Minister's office. Gil is also a contributing member to the Israeli-Arab King's College-based Atkin Fellowship Network.
Course time:
Fri 12-14h
- Teacher: Gil Murciano