Is the history of intelligence the secret history of the twentieth century, or just a good spy yarn?

The paper explores the complex and often ambiguous world of espionage within international relations, emphasizing its significant yet unclear impact on historical events and contemporary issues. It highlights the inherent secrecy of intelligence operations and the ongoing debate among historians regarding the role and influence of intelligence agencies on policymaking. The discussion is contextualized by recent controversies, particularly the intelligence community's involvement in the lead-up to the Iraq war, illustrating the enduring relevance of these questions in today's political landscape.