Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book argues that the currently most influential normative theory of intelligence activities, the so-called Just Intelligence Model derived from Just War Theory, offers a number of underlying ethical contributions that can help people better understand when intelligence should be licensed and when it should be limited. It offers analyses of the key principles of discrimination, necessity and proportionality – each of which is a constitutive principle of the Just Intelligence Model. The book shows in general terms how they apply, or ought to apply, to national security intelligence activity. It argues that there is an additional normative principle governing espionage, in particular, that is not constitutive of the Just Intelligence Model, namely, a principle of reciprocity. The book focuses on the rights of foreign intelligence targets.