No Spy Superstructure in Europe

By Nigel Inkster

Nigel Inkster has worked at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) since 2007. His current title is Director of Future Conflict and Cyber Security. His research portfolio includes transnational terrorism, insurgency, transnational organised crime, cyber security, intelligence and security and the evolving character of conflict.  Before joining IISS he served for thirty-one years in the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) retiring in 2006 as Assistant Chief and Director of Operations and Intelligence.

There has been talk for decades of creating an overarching intelligence structure that works to keep the continent secure, but it has taken on new urgency with the recent increase in terror attacks in Europe.   However, doing so is easier said than done. In fact, there are legal impediments to creating this kind of apparatus. The Cipher Brief’s Kaitlin Lavinder spoke with former Assistant Chief and Director of Operations and Intelligence for the British Secret Intelligence Service, Nigel Inkster, about the failings of European intelligence and how the system could be improved.

The Cipher Brief: With the increase in threats to Europe – we just saw the shooting in Paris last week, for example – is there a desire amongst EU member states for better intelligence sharing?

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