Intelligence Studies
Since the Second World War, intelligence and security services have played an important role in policy and decision making, particularly with regards to a state’s national security. In this minor programme you study both the organisations, their working methods, their analysis techniques, as well as the political, bureaucratic, and social context of intelligence and security services.
Is this the right minor for you?
This English minor programme hopes to attract students who have a keen interest in the work of intelligence and security services in general and the institutional, organisational, and operational aspects of their work in particular. Students interested in ethics, policy, and (international) politics are more than welcome too. Any foreknowledge of the issues discussed in the minor is not necessary, but students are expected to have affinity with security issues.
Nikki Ikani
Assistant Professor Intelligence and Security
"Intelligence is one of the most influential and least visible parts of government decision-making. This minor opens the black box of intelligence agencies and shows how information, analysis, and secrecy shape world politics."
Mariana Goldsmit Valdespino
Student International Relations and Organisations
"I did the Intelligence Minor as part of my third-year elective space at Leiden University. To be honest, I first signed up for the introductory class, Introduction to Secret Affairs, as an elective because I thought it would be a fun and interesting topic to learn about. Soon, however, I realised that the minor offers so much more. Not only did I learn about the secret world of intelligence, but it also taught me a whole new way of thinking, analysing data, working individually and in teams, and questioning and perfecting my own work. Overall, the minor introduced me to a new academic field that I didn’t know much about but will now explore in greater depth through my master’s. I would highly encourage anyone interested in security, politics, psychology or history to join this minor."