Intelligence Studies Study Guide.docx

Lowenthal’s Definition of Intelligence

The process of requesting, collecting, analyzing, and providing specific types of information important to national security to policymakers.

Purpose of Intelligence

Intelligence exists to: 1) discover hidden information sought by governments, 2) address concerns about secrecy among citizens.

Key Event: National Security Act (1947)

Created the CIA and established a framework for the U.S. Intelligence Community.

GEOINT

Geospatial Intelligence that involves visual representations of terrain, using layers of information to answer various situational questions.

SIGINT

Signals Intelligence, which involves collecting information from signals emitted from various sources, including communication and electronic devices.

HUMINT

Human Intelligence, which requires human involvement and can provide critical information but is often risky.

OSINT

Open Source Intelligence, which is publicly available information that requires validation due to the possibility of misinformation.

Intelligence Cycle Step: Collection

The step in the intelligence cycle where agencies collect data based on identified requirements.

Cognitive Bias

A systematic pattern of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, often skewing interpretations of data.

Motivation for Espionage: MICE

An acronym for Money, Ideology, Coercion, and Ego, identifying the main motivations behind espionage activities.

Covert Action

Activities by the U.S. government intended to influence conditions abroad without revealing the U.S. involvement.

Failure of Imagination (9/11)

The inability to envision the possibility of a new type of terrorist attack, which contributed to a lack of proactive measures.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs.

Processing and Exploitation

The step in the intelligence cycle where collected data is refined and made intelligible for analysis.

Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (2004)

Legislation that established the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to oversee and coordinate the intelligence community.

Intelligence Analysis Challenges

Difficulties faced in intelligence analysis, including cognitive bias, uncertainty, and the risk of politicization.

Feedback (Intelligence Cycle)

Dialogue between intelligence producers and consumers that occurs after intelligence has been disseminated.

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

The primary agency for providing national security intelligence to senior U.S. policymakers, involved in gathering, processing, and analyzing national security information.

National Security Agency (NSA)

Tasked with collecting and analyzing foreign communication and intelligence data, particularly focusing on signals intelligence (SIGINT).

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Responsible for domestic intelligence and security, focusing on counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and criminal investigations.

Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)

Provides military intelligence to warfighters, defense planners, and policymakers, focusing on defense-related national security issues.

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)

Provides geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) for national security purposes, focusing on imagery and mapping.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Intelligence and Analysis

Responsible for assessing and sharing intelligence related to homeland security threats and risks.

Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)

Oversees and coordinates the U.S. Intelligence Community, consolidating intelligence efforts and ensuring synchronized operations.

National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)

Designs, builds, and operates the nation’s reconnaissance satellites to support U.S. national security objectives.

Intelligence Cycle Step: Processing and Exploitation

Refining and making collected data intelligible for analysis.

Intelligence Cycle Step: Analysis

The step where processed information is interpreted to provide insights and assessments.

Intelligence Cycle Step: Dissemination

The step where analyzed intelligence is distributed to decision-makers and stakeholders.

Intelligence Cycle Step: Feedback

Dialogue that occurs after intelligence dissemination, assessing the relevance and effectiveness of the intelligence provided.

Intelligence Cycle Step: Collection

Agencies collect data based on identified requirements.

Intelligence Cycle Step: Direction

The initial step that establishes the priorities and requirements for intelligence activities.

Strategic Surprise

An unexpected event or development that significantly impacts national security and policy, often because it was not anticipated by intelligence agencies.

Intelligence Failure

A situation where intelligence agencies fail to predict or prevent an event, often linked to strategic surprise.

Intelligence Gathering Techniques

Methods used by agencies to collect information, including espionage, surveillance, and open-source intelligence.