Balance of the historical course of the Mexican civil intelligence agency

Abstract

Intelligence has existed since immemorial times, as can be seen from the work The Art of War of Sun-Tzu from the 5th century B.C., that defines it as the anticipated information of the dispositions and intentions of the enemy. Hence, its essential notes are both anticipation and prediction, as well as support for the decision-making process. This explains why, since the administration headed by the constitutionalist President Venustiano Carranza, Mexico has –uninterruptedly– a civil intelligence agency. And, given the lack of knowledge about intelligence in general, the present contribution seeks to explore the historical milestones of the civil intelligence apparatus, from its origins to the current situation, as well as account for their challenges.