In The Ultimate Goal Vikram Sood former chief of India's external intelligence agency the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) explains 'the narrative' and how a country's ability to construct sustain and control narratives at home and abroad enhances its strength and position. Intelligence agencies invariably play a critical role in this an often-indispensable tool of statecraft.

A 'narrative' may not necessarily be based on truth but it does need to be plausible have a meaning and create a desired perception. During most of the twentieth century intelligence agencies helped shape narratives favourable to their countries' agendas through literature history drama art music and cinema. Today social media has become crucial to manipulating countering or disrupting narratives with its ability to spread fake news disinformation and provoke reactions.