Leiden University Student Repository

Hage, Noraly (2023)

Sharing is Caring: Multilateral Intelligence Cooperation Model applied to European Union counterterrorism intelligence cooperation

Master thesis | Political Science (MSc)

This study examines the extent to which the Multilateral Intelligence Cooperation (MIC) model can account for the increase in intelligence cooperation between European Union Member States (EU MS) in the field of counterterrorism. It is an explanatory deductive study employing qualitative methods, more specifically process-tracing, using data obtained from interviews and analysis of primary and secondary sources. The Madrid 2004 bombings and November 2015 Paris attacks are used as case studies to provide in-depth analysis of the MIC framework. The findings indicate that the driver internal demand contributes significantly to a MS’ decision to engage in intelligence exchange. The other two drivers, external pressure and cooperative momentum, are clearly discernible but have a smaller impact. Additionally, this research examines the MIC model’s limitations and discusses alternative factors crucial for establishing effective multilateral intelligence cooperation.

Intelligence

intelligence cooperation

European Union

Counterterrorism

Multilateral intelligence cooperation

Author

Hage, Noraly

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

International Organisation

Supervisors

Kinacioglu, M.

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en