THE CONCEPT OF INTELLIGENCE AND PECULIARITIES OF ITS CONDUCT IN THE ANTO-BYZANTINE CONFLICTS OF THE VI CENTURY

Abstract

The article establishes that intelligence is an important component of national security, which has deep historical roots and has evolved from simple forms of information gathering in prehistoric times to complex systems regulated by the legislation of modern states. At the same time, intelligence is now a key element of Ukraine's national security. Since 2020, the Law of Ukraine «On Intelligence» has been in force in Ukraine, which legally defines the concept of intelligence, its tasks, functions and organization. The article shows that in Ukraine, the first elements of intelligence activities were manifested in the prehistoric period and later became an important element of survival and achievement of military superiority, in particular during the Anto-Byzantine conflicts of the VI century. It is substantiated that the Antes used a wide range of intelligence methods, including agent activities, military intelligence and adaptive approaches to information gathering. Cooperation with the Hun army and interaction with Byzantium contributed to the improvement of their intelligence skills. At the same time, Byzantium used effective strategies of diplomatic intelligence, bribery and the principle of «divide and conquer», which weakened the Antes tribes. It is proved that the Byzantines considered the Antes to be dangerous opponents, so they actively used military intelligence during campaigns against them. It is concluded that the study of historical forms of intelligence activity is important for understanding modern approaches to the organization of intelligence. It is emphasized that historical experience can be useful for ensuring the national security of Ukraine, taking into account modern challenges. Prospects for further research are suggested, in particular, an analysis of the impact of historical approaches to intelligence on the formation of modern models of intelligence activity.