“…In the European context, and more specifically in France, studies on intelligence have become more diversified (Ocqueteau and Laurent, 2019), whether in their approach or their disciplinary fields, and whether or not they claim to fall under intelligence studies (Lyon, 2007). Although, in France, the functionalist orientation prevails less than in the United States, most writings nevertheless place security – whether as a contemporary state imperative, as legitimating surveillance practices or in a fragile balance with liberties – at the centre of their discussions (Balzacq, 2016; Bauman et al, 2015; Bigo et al, 2007; Chopin and Oudet, 2016). In general, studies on intelligence focus on spying and international politics, or else the effects of intelligence information or services on foreign policy (in particular see Baud, 1998; Cécile, 1998).…”