Intelligence scandals: a comparative analytical model and lessons learned from the test case of North Macedonia

Abstract

Most countries that possess intelligence services have encountered intelligence scandals involving actual or alleged intelligence activities. This paper offers a definition of intelligence scandal and creates a new analytical model for assessing intelligence scandals. Application of the analytical model to six key intelligence scandals in North Macedonia shows that various intelligence and political actors can commit a wide range of transgressions in largely internal and external political contexts with very broad political and security impacts. The case also shows the competitive nature of the triggers of the scandals, various kinds of actors’ defences, and the scandals’ long duration.