Ten Lessons in Intelligence
December 19, 2020
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here is no shortage of intelligence-themed or spy-related books on the market. From titles claiming something akin to “spy skills that will save your life” to “how do detect deception in your spouse”, there is a public appetite for a peek behind the curtain at the clandestine world. These typically trend more James Bond than George Smiley; more action than introspection, often resembling potboiler thrillers found in pharmacies and airport terminals alike.
They offer the reader a glimpse into the clandestine lives of spies, allowing them to insert themselves into the darkened alleys of European capitals or the slums of a conflict hot spot. How would I react in this situation? How would I handle being tailed? Where is the best place for a dead drop? The likelihood that suburban moms and dads will ever find themselves needing the skills outlined by the authors is decidedly slim. Perhaps some international travelers will fin