ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the future of intelligence. Civilians with mobile phones, cameras and the internet have become intelligence collectors and disseminators. Technological developments lead to the shift of intelligence agencies from information collection agencies to knowledge validation organizations and knowledge management organizations. Intelligence is an important element in the decision-making process. It can never be a substitute for policy or strategy, for political wisdom or military power. A delicate balance is required between the growing aversion of the public, at least in Western societies, against torture and the use of force and violations of the private sphere on the one hand, and the demand for personal security and protection against terrorism on the other.
