This course examines key issues in the study of intelligence organisations and activities. It explores the three major missions of intelligence: collection-and-analysis; covert action; and counterintelligence. The course sheds light on what is known as the intelligence cycle to analyse the challenges of gathering and assessing information. Particular attention is paid to covert action, the most controversial intelligence activity. The course also covers the problems associated with protecting secrets from foreign spies and terrorist organisations. Finally, it considers the question of intelligence accountability: how a nation can protect its citizens against the possible abuse of power by its own secret agencies.