In from the cold : national security and parliamentary democracy
Security and intelligence agencies are granted unparalleled powers, human rights are restricted, governments keep secrets from their citizens, and huge sums of public money are spent, all in the name of 'national security'. Beginning with a critical theoretical examination of 'national security' and arguing that this concept should be fused with notions of democracy and human rights, the authors go on to discuss many important topics including telephone tapping, bugging, and the collection and retention of personal information on file. Other topics analysed include employment vetting and security, the control of foreign nationals, restrictions on the press, and the use of criminal law to stifle criticism. Finally, the mandate, powers, and mechanisms for executive and ministerial control of the security and intelligence agencies are scrutinized, and the nearly-completed Scott Inquiry and Intelligence Services Bill 1994 are both considered. This comparative study draws upon a wide range of sources, and, uniquely, upon numerous interviews with security officials in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia
Print Book, English, 1994
Clarendon Press ; Oxford University Press, Oxford, New York, 1994