Intelligence and strategy. Intelligence has always been an integral part of strategy. Whether in a personal conflict, in market competition or in war, knowing something before your opponent does, and knowing about your opponent, is of advantage.

The systematic collection and analysis of such information makes up the core of intelligence.

Intelligence Unlimited. The demise of the bipolar international system has thrown the murky world of intelligence into disarray. Traditional categories such as military intelligence, political intelligence, economic intelligence, and private intelligence have become blurred.

Consequently, intelligence activity migrates into new territories. The job descriptions of the world's professional information hunters and gatherers change.

Industrial espionage.

"Yes, dear friends, we have spied on you"
(James Woolsey, CIA Director, on US industrial espionage against Europe through ECHELON)

Large scale industrial espionage is increasingly carried out by governmental intelligence agencies. In an economy that is set to rule over the globe, intelligence is needed to take the risk out of profit. Governmental intelligence agencies also offer security screenings of managers as a paid service.

Networks of intelligence. As the political and the economic value of information converge, the actors of the intelligence trade become more diverse than ever.

"You can't really say that bugging is a sport enjoyed by companies with three or four letters in their logos only, the whole development has rather gained its own momentum."
(Hans-Georg Wolf, former East German intelligence expert)

Thousands of business companies, research labs, radio- and TV stations, universities and religious groups have been shown to collaborate with intelligence agencies. The enormous amount and value of information collected by private enterprises exercises a powerful appeal upon the masterminds of the global intelligence frenzy.

"The strategic context of private enterprise intelligence is a fundamental starting point for the reinvention of intelligence. There is no more promising aspect of our profession than that offered by the private sector."
(Robert D. Steele, intelligence consultant)