Contemporary intelligence in Africa

This chapter introduces the subject of contemporary intelligence in Africa. It begins with a brief discussion of perceptions of intelligence in Africa, the controversies in the field, and the historical role of intelligence in African governance and security from the colonial period to the present period. The chapter presents two key sensitising concepts—path dependency and critical junctures—that are useful for appreciating contemporary intelligence in Africa. Thereafter, it situates this edited volume within the emerging studies of African intelligence. More importantly, it demonstrates the importance of the volume as a continuation of the two preceding major works on African intelligence. The chapter ends with an overview of the constituent chapters.