Taurisian Glycerine
Aracne int.le publisher
pp. 622
What is meant by the term "Intelligence"?
How is intelligence structured in Italy?
What are your duties? What is your story?
These are just some of the questions to which Glicerio Taurisano in his book "Intelligence and information system in the Italian Republic", tries to give an answer.
The author deals with research and analysis of information and is currently the promoter of research in Europe on unified activities for national security and integrated planning of urban security.
The book begins with an interesting historical excursus on secret services in antiquity. The author proceeds in the analysis of ancient, religious and non-religious literature, highlighting the steps in which we talk about information and espionage activities. From ancient Egypt to ancient Rome, through Homer and the Bible, Taurisano highlights those aspects in some way related to intelligence activities, also illustrating the meaning of the terms then in use (exploratores, delatores, speculatores ...). The historical analysis extends to the text of Vegezio (Epitoma rei militaris), from which it is clear that before proceeding to a battle, the wise conductor is concerned with gathering information about the enemy, his forces, his commanders and all it can be useful for victory. Of course, the most famous treaties of the art of war are not forgotten. Sun Tzu, in his work describes the five types of secret agents and explains their use. In the same way the author analyzes the Arthasastra (Indian work of Kautilya) and the works of Machiavelli (the Prince and of the art of war), trying to draw useful lessons from them.
During his excursus he pauses to analyze the secret services of the kingdoms of the peninsula before and after the Unification of Italy, up to the analysis of the Italian security organizations currently in force.
The author naturally does not forget to mention some of the facts of Italian history that brought the Services to the attention of the general public, including Gladio, to name one.
The last chapters are instead dedicated to the explanation of the meaning of the terms used in the world of Intelligence, starting precisely from the term Intelligence, defined as "... that kind of knowledge that is indispensable to decision makers, politicians and military, for protect the well-being of the nation ".
Taurisano in his book manages to guide the reader through all aspects of Intelligence, trying to make clear terms and concepts that are often not clear.
An interesting book to use as a guide to a world that is still too little known.
Alessandro Rugolo
