What does this research mean for the field?

Intelligence is not exclusively a government activity, as the private sector also operates significant security intelligence services. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.CONTRADICTORY. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.CHALLENGES_CONSENSUS.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate and challenge state-centric frameworks in intelligence studies by examining the functional architecture and emergence of private sector security intelligence operations.

August 28, 2026Intelligence & National Security

Beyond states and spies: the security intelligence services of the private sector

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To evaluate and challenge state-centric frameworks in intelligence studies by examining the functional architecture and emergence of private sector security intelligence operations.
Critical conceptual analysis evaluating Lewis Sage-Passant’s assessment of commercial intelligence apparatuses.
Qualitative review of historical and contemporary corporate intelligence models relative to sovereign state security structures.
Finds that intelligence functions have decentralized beyond government jurisdiction into complex commercial risk and intelligence entities.
Identifies corporate intelligence units as autonomous non-state actors capable of collecting, evaluating, and applying strategic intelligence globally.

Implication

Conceptual review uncovers expanding security intelligence operations across the private sector, highlighting a major departure from traditional state-centric intelligence models.

Abstract

The field of intelligence studies has long carried the state-centric assumption that intelligence is, at root, an activity of government. Lewis Sage-Passant’s Beyond States and Spies challenges tha...

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Cite This Study

Jyrki Helminen (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a914642d15324a1df3a9b7d https://doi.org/10.1080/02684527.2026.2723647

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Implication

Conceptual review uncovers expanding security intelligence operations across the private sector, highlighting a major departure from traditional state-centric intelligence models.

Beyond states and spies: the security intelligence services of the private sector

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Beyond states and spies: the security intelligence services of the private sector

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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