The Art of Intelligence
‘Fascinating … Why Spy?’s four parts are divided into 13 short chapters, which are in fact concise essays on all aspects of spying. The chapters on types of intelligence, how intelligence is (or should be) assessed and deception operations are riveting, full of illuminating detail.’ — The Scotsman
Why Spy? distills Brian Stewart’s seventy years of experience in intelligence. Few books currently available have been written by someone who has his practical experience both of field work and of the intelligence bureaucracy at home and abroad. Stewart relates successes and failures via a fascinating series of vignettes, either those cases in which he was personally involved, or seminal events such as the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and draws conclusions that should be pondered by all those concerned with the limitations and usefulness of the intelligence product. He also cautions against the tendency to abuse or ignore intelligence findings when their conclusions do not fit with preconceived ideas. Stewart also reminds the reader of the multiplicity of methods and organisations and the wide range of talents making up the intelligence world.
The emphasis throughout Why Spy? is on the necessity of embracing a range of sources, including police, political, military and overt, to ensure that secret intelligence is placed in as wide a context as possible when decisions are made.
Samantha Newbery is Lecturer in Contemporary Intelligence Studies, University of Salford.
‘Brian Stewart’s book is an educative one. His life and career took in many of the formative wars of the 20th century. … Helpfully demystifying, the book is written in clear and frank language: it cuts through the circumlocutions of officialese. He is particularly clear in his view of the process that led to the 2002 dossier on Iraq, which he includes in a section on intelligence failures. … Overall, the life that Stewart depicts is more George Smiley than James Bond. … A sobering lesson. And a good, useful book from a remarkable man.’ — Gerard Russell, Literary Review
‘Drawing on a lifetime of personal experience and wisdom Brian Stewart, together with his co-author Samantha Newbury, explains why nations engage in espionage and how intelligence can impact on policy-making for good or ill. The authors do not shy away from addressing the more controversial aspects of intelligence work but make a convincing case that in this arena issues cannot be seen in black or white terms. This book, written with a deceptively light touch, is an important contribution to the field of intelligence studies.’ — Nigel Inkster, Director of Transnational Threats and Political Risk, IISS, and former Director of Operations and Intelligence for the British Secret Intelligence Service
‘It is most unusual for a seasoned British official to write a book about intelligence. Brian Stewart, in this most remarkable and fascinating account, describes some of his experiences whilst reflecting on the deeper meaning of intelligence. His co-writer, Samantha Newbury, has added a wealth of secondary references to ensure that this is a book for the academic, the aficionado, and the spy.’ — Michael Goodman, Reader in Intelligence and International Affairs, Department of War Studies, King’s College, London and Official Historian of the Joint Intelligence Committee
‘Brian Stewart’s musings on his long career in intelligence-related work—ably aided by the researcher Samantha Newbery—have the aroma of a good whisky, well-distilled. … Stewart takes a historical and philosophical perspective, rightly emphasising that “good assessment is the key to good intelligence” and regretfully observing that “it has been well said that customers sometimes use intelligence as a drunk uses a lamp post: for support, not illumination”. … His book reads like an extended ambassadorial valedictory, as they used to be—and is all the better for it.’ — The Spectator
‘[F]ascinating … [Why Spy’s] four parts are divided into 13 short chapters, which are in fact concise essays on all aspects of spying. The chapters on types of intelligence, how intelligence is (or should be) assessed and deception operations are riveting, full of illuminating detail.’ — The Scotsman
‘Stewart … argues from deep experience with intelligence in the Malayan crisis, service as a diplomat in Hanoi, as secretary to the Joint Intelligence Committee, and long experience in China. … [His book is] elegantly written and a delight to read.’ — The World Today