Security and intelligence agencies are granted unparalleled powers, human rights are restricted, governments keep secrets from their citizens, and huge sums of public money are spent, all in the name of `national security'.Beginning with a critical theoretical examination of `national security' and arguing that this concept should be infused with values of democracy and human rights, the authors go on to discuss many important topics, including telephone tapping, bugging, and the collection and retention of personalinformation on file. Other issues analysed include employment vetting and security, detention and deportation, restrictions on the press, and the use of criminal law to stifle criticism.Finally, the mandate, powers, and mechanisms for executive and ministerial control of the security and intelligence agencies are scrutinized, the nearly-completed Scott Inquiry is considered, and the Intelligence Services Act 1994 is analysed in a detailed Coda.This comparative study draws upon a wide range of sources, and, uniquely, upon numerous interviews with security officials in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.In From the Cold is a timely and comprehensive treatment of issues which continue to pose the greatest challenge to democratic states.