OVERVIEW
“Intelligence and National Security” seeks to develop an understanding of what intelligence is, how it succeeds and fails, the range of intelligence activities, the US organization for intelligence, and the relationship between intelligence and decision-making.
The course includes discussion of the current activities and structure of the U.S. Intelligence Community, but its primary objective is to develop a framework for understanding the use of intelligence in pursuit of “decision advantage” in both policymaking and policy execution. The course includes a heavy emphasis on intelligence analysis in support of policymakers. Students will also be introduced to the various collection “INTS,” (HUMINT, SIGINT, IMINT, OSINT, etc.). The course will address the legal underpinnings and authorities for the conduct of intelligence, activity as well as to the role of the various actors engaged in the supervision and oversight of intelligence to make sure it is lawful, effective, and consistent with American values. Counterintelligence and covert action will be covered in some depth. Moral and ethical dilemmas associated with espionage and covert activities will be discussed, including, reconciling secrecy with democratic government. Foreign intelligence services will be briefly addressed, primarily to contrast these systems to those of the United States.
Throughout the course, readings and presentations drawn from historical or contemporary cases will be used to illuminate the methods, principles and challenges in the production and use of meaningful intelligence.
WHO MIGHT BENEFIT?
This course emphasizes that intelligence should be evaluated not only by whether it is “right,” but by its contribution to wise decision-making. The course is structured around the idea that, whether the student is interested in intelligence as a career field or not, anyone interested in international affairs or security issues should possess a basic understanding of the role of intelligence.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Students will write two short book reviews chosen from a list provided by the Professor. Students will write a paper on a historical intelligence success or failure or a current intelligence topic with the approval of the professor, which will be briefed in class. Students will be introduced to the intelligence writing style and the concept of “all-source” analysis. Participation and attendance will account for at least 20% of the total grade.