The A former R&AW chief deconstructs how nations construct narratives Sood, Vikram creator author. text Gurugram Harper Collins 2020 monographic xvii, 349p; 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. Vikram Sood. Includes bibliographical references Intelligence service Essays, Memoirs Foreign relations India Nationalism Politics and government India 327.12054 SOO-U 9789353579517