Overview

What isthe purpose of an intelligence organisation? The short answer is to transformdisparate and ambiguous information into a product that clarifies nationalsecurity decision-making. Ideally, that process ought to be politically neutraland detached from the policy objectives of the government it serves. But whathappens when intelligence ceases to be impartial and is used as a politicalmeans to support a policy preference? More significantly, what happens whenintelligence is distorted, twisted or manipulated to achieve this aim? Spinning the Secrets of State addresses thesequestions by investigating historical case studies developed from assiduousresearch into previously classified archival documents, political papers,private correspondence and diaries to show how the secrets of state can be spuninto a potent political weapon. In thisrevealing tour Justin T. McPhee considers the evolution of intelligencepoliticisation in Australia from before Federation in 1901 through to themodern era, providing a deep historical context in which to understand theconvergence of intelligence and politics. Containing much new information, Spinningthe Secrets of State offers an illuminating account of the secret innerworkings of intelligence manipulation and the conditions that enablepoliticisation to arise. Anessential read for both the general observer and scholars interested inunderstanding why intelligence and politics seem fated to collide.

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9781925523652

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Justin T. McPhee teaches across the social and political sciences at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia, from which he received a Ph.D. in Political History. A specialist in intelligence history and national security issues, his current research explores the concept of intelligence politicisation specifically as it relates to the Australasian context.

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