MI6: Inside the Covert World of Her Majesty's Secret Intelligence Service

by Stephen Dorril

An intelligence agency exposé so explosive that the British government tried to stop its publication or the first time ever, MI6, Britain's legendary player at the chessboard of international intelligence-gathering, is revealed in fascinating detail. Fifteen years of painstaking and meticulous research on the notoriously elusive organization comes together in a vivid and shocking portrait that differs radically from the sleek and flawless fictionalized portraits of Her Majesty's Secret Service. This no-holds-barred exposé of the agency's operations and methods describes in riveting detail its impact on the history and politics of the last half century. Stephen Dorril's daring and prodigious research has unearthed startling information, ? The recruitment of assets and agents of influence around the world ? MI6's relationships with national leaders, including Nelson Mandela ? A secret deal between London and Washington to keep British troops out of Vietnam ? Details about failed plots to assassinate Nasser, Milosevic, and Gaddifi ? Why MI6 was unable to provide advance warning of the Iranian Revolution or Argentina's plan to invade the Falklands ? MI6's operations to bring Nazi collaborators and war criminals to Britain after the war MI6 lifts the veil surrounding the closely guarded espionage efforts that have shaped and continue to affect our world for better...and for worse.

Genres: History, Espionage, Nonfiction, British Literature, European History

928 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2000

Reviews

[Clayton Brannon]

Comprehensive book well worth the time to read. After reading I look forward to finding more of his works that will continue the story into the 21st century. Should be fascinating to read how he explains events like September 11th 2001 attacks on World Trade Centers and the subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq along with general deterioration and instability in the Middle East.

[Mister Responsible]

Fascinating. I hadn't read much about espionage before, and this book was a very interesting view into how it all worked in past situations.

[Malcolm Boyd]

Couldn't finish :(

[noblethumos]

"MI6: Inside the Covert World of Her Majesty's Secret Intelligence Service" by Stephen Dorril, first published in 2000, is a comprehensive and meticulously researched examination of the history, operations, and impact of the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), commonly known as MI6. Dorril's work delves into the clandestine world of espionage, tracing the evolution of MI6 from its early origins to its role in the late 20th century.

The book's notable strength lies in its thorough historical account of MI6, presenting a detailed chronicle of the organization's formative years and its responses to key historical events such as the Cold War. Dorril adeptly navigates the complex and often secretive nature of intelligence operations, drawing on a vast array of sources, including declassified documents, interviews, and historical records. This meticulous approach adds scholarly weight to the book, offering readers a nuanced understanding of MI6's development and its interactions on the global stage.

Dorril's exploration of the political, cultural, and ethical dimensions of MI6 contributes to the book's academic depth. He critically examines the organization's relationships with political leaders, its involvement in covert operations, and its influence on foreign policy. This analysis allows readers to engage with the complexities of intelligence activities, shedding light on the ethical challenges and geopolitical considerations that shape the world of espionage.

However, some critics have raised concerns about the book's detailed focus on individuals and specific operations, arguing that it might compromise the security and privacy of those involved. The tension between the public's right to know and the imperatives of intelligence secrecy is a recurring theme in discussions surrounding works of this nature.

Additionally, while "MI6" is an invaluable resource for understanding the historical trajectory of British intelligence, it might be criticized for potential biases or gaps in its coverage. Intelligence agencies, by their nature, operate in secrecy, making it challenging for historians to access a complete and unbiased record. Readers might question whether certain aspects of MI6's history are underrepresented or selectively presented.

“MI6: Inside the Covert World of Her Majesty's Secret Intelligence Service" by Stephen Dorril stands as a seminal work in the field of intelligence studies. Its historical depth, meticulous research, and critical analysis contribute to a nuanced understanding of MI6 and its role in shaping the trajectory of British foreign policy. While some concerns exist regarding the potential compromise of sensitive information, the book remains an essential resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intricacies of intelligence operations and their impact on global affairs.

GPT

[Tone]

Can't wait until I'm done. It's not very exciting to read and I'm already past the halfway mark. I assumed it would be really fascinating but so far, it's a dud. I'll be offloading this at the local Goodwill when I'm done.

[Dave]

A heavy book this rich with facts, names and dates. It feels like a text-book, which it probably is. I found it pretty well impenetrable and to be honest gave up reading it about half way.