Networks, Mechanisms, and the Police: Britain's Security Apparatus, 1909 - 1939.

Much of British security history is focussed upon institutions such as MI5. This institutional focus neglects the great uncertainties that existed in order to create a linear narrative that explains how current institutions obtained the position they currently hold. Although MI5 and MI6 did grow in importance between 1909 and 1939, they did not control or overshadow other components which also contributed to British security. Instead, they were interwoven into a security apparatus. Each component of this apparatus fulfilled specific functions to maintain British security. Despite great efforts to organise and increase the central control of security during this period, significant flaws persisted which allowed intelligence and policy officials to overreach their positions and negatively impact policy decisions – often with detrimental consequences.