Transformation of secrecy: from ontological characteristic to an instrument for intelligence operations

This article, after a brief review of causes of secrecy in state administrations, especially in intelligence agencies, tries to describe secrecy’s status in the identity of intelligence. Author, in response to the question of research, has two competing hypothesis. The main hypothesis argues that secrecy is an ontological characteristic of intelligence. In contrast, the second hypothesis describes secrecy an instrument of intelligence operations. After arguments for and against the hypoethses, author concludes that secrecy is indispensible part to intelligence and must be considefed as an ontological characteristic.