1st Edition
Intelligence Services in South Asia Colonial Past and Post-Colonial Realities
Introduction, Ryan Shaffer and ASM Ali Ashraf Chapter 1. Afghanistan: Besieged From Without and Within, Prem Mahadevan Chapter 2. Bangladesh: In Search of an Analytical Culture, ASM Ali Ashraf Chapter 3. Bhutan: A Historical Analysis of National Security and Neighborhood Diplomacy, Praveen Kumar Chapter 4. India: Intelligence Changes and Continuities, Ryan Shaffer Chapter 5. The Maldives: Intelligence As a Weapon for Power Consolidation, Then and Now, Abdulla Phairoosch Chapter 6. Myanmar: The Development of An Intelligence State, Andrew Selth Chapter 7. Nepal: Intelligence Response to Insurgent Challenge, Thomas A. Marks Chapter 8. Pakistan: In Defense of its Ideological Frontiers, Dheeraj Paramesha Chaya Chapter 9. Sri Lanka: Intelligence Transformation During Colonialism, Civil War and Jihad, Martin J. Gallagher Chapter 10. Intelligence Oversight in South Asia: Explaining Variations in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, ASM Ali Ashraf and Md Sohel Rana Chapter 11. Conclusion: South Asian Intelligence Issues, Factors and Attributes, Ryan Shaffer and ASM Ali Ashraf
Biography
Ryan Shaffer is an independent scholar and has a PhD in history with expertise in extremism and security. His books include The Handbook of Asian Intelligence Cultures, The Handbook of African Intelligence Cultures and African Intelligence Services: Early Postcolonial and Contemporary Challenges.
ASM Ali Ashraf is a Professor and Chair of the Department of International Relations at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. He holds a PhD in international security policy from the University of Pittsburgh. He specializes in counterterrorism, intelligence, security and public policy.
'This book is an admirable exercise into the study of intelligence operations, a hitherto taboo and less explored area of intellectual inquiry in our parlance. It should immensely aid academics, public safety experts, practitioners and students of criminal justice administration.'
Muhammad Nurul Huda, Former Inspector General of Police, Bangladesh
"A compelling and insightful look into the intelligence apparatus of South Asia. A must-read for anyone interested in the dynamics of power and intelligence in our region."
Abdullah Kamaluddeen, Former Home Minister of the Maldives
“A great survey of South Asian intelligence. Comprehensive and insightful.”
Owen Bennett-Jones, author of The Bhutto Dynasty: The Struggle for Power in Pakistan
'... this book addresses a critical need in the field of intelligence studies. It will also be valuable to those interested in South Asian studies, history, security studies and international relations.'
Owen Sirrs, Global Change, Peace & Security, August 2025
'. . . a commendable and timely contribution to an area that remains comparatively underexamined. It will undoubtedly serve as a valuable reference for scholars and practitioners engaged in South Asian studies, history, security studies, and international relations.'
Punsara Amarasinghe, International Journal of Intelligence and CounterIntelligence December 2025
'A valuable treatment of intelligence services not frequently discussed in the literature.'
Hayden Peake, Studies in Intelligence December 2025
