Dismantling intelligence agencies

Intelligence agencies from a remarkable institutional constant in most soci eties. They are frequently 'reformed' but almost never dismantled, since th eir capabilities, personnel, and knowledge are simultaneously too vital and too threatening to successor regimes. Several case studies are reviewed wh ich demonstrate the tenacity of personnel, bureaucratic structures, and ins titutional culture. The problem of dismantling intelligence agencies will c onfront both successor regimes to failed states and the West, and it left u naddressed will almost certainly undermine efforts at democratization. The problems are especially acute when considering totalitarian regimes such as Iraq. Carefully planning, debate over ethical and legal questions, and cha nges in institutional and public culture are all necessary.