Analyzing Intelligence: Origins, Obstacles, and Innovations

By: James B. Bruce - editor, Roger Z. George - editor

Narrated by: Eric Bodrero

Drawing on the individual and collective experience of recognized intelligence experts and scholars in the field, Analyzing Intelligence provides the first comprehensive assessment of the state of intelligence analysis since 9/11. Its in-depth and balanced evaluation of more than 50 years of U.S. analysis includes a critique of why it has under-performed at times. It provides insights regarding the enduring obstacles as well as new challenges of analysis in the post-9/11 world, and suggests innovative ideas for improved analytical methods, training, and structured approaches.

The book's six sections present a coherent plan for improving analysis. Early chapters examine how intelligence analysis has evolved since its origins in the mid-20th century, focusing on traditions, culture, successes, and failures. The middle sections examine how analysis supports the most senior national security and military policymakers and strategists, and how analysts must deal with the perennial challenges of collection, politicization, analytical bias, knowledge building and denial and deception. The final sections of the book propose new ways to address enduring issues in warning analysis, methodology (or 'analytical tradecraft') and emerging analytic issues like homeland defense. The book suggests new forms of analytic collaboration in a global intelligence environment, and imperatives for the development of a new profession of intelligence analysis.

Analyzing Intelligence is written for the national security expert who needs to understand the role of intelligence and its strengths and weaknesses. Practicing and future analysts will also find that its attention to the enduring challenges provides useful lessons-learned to guide their own efforts. The innovations section will provoke senior intelligence managers to consider major changes in the way analysis is currently organized and conducted, and the way that analysts are trained and perform.

The book is published by Georgetown University Press.

©2008 Georgetown University Press (P)2012 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"This book will be an invaluable resource for future analysts and those professionals currently involved in overcoming the enduring challenges associated with the role of intelligence in a free society." (Parameters)

"Analyzing Intelligence is the most comprehensive book on the subject to date-a really valuable treatment for those anticipating becoming an intelligence analyst, as well as for those who already are." ( Studies in Intelligence)

Thorough and Relevant

Excellent scholarly work assessing the state of the union of intelligence analysis, and what is required to make it better.

Fantastic

It is a must read for anyone who is exposed to intelligence community in any way.

Almost totally comprehensive

Impressively, it covered virtually every topic related to the craft. This book does not cover methodology, but reinforces the importance of professional analysis. Published in 2008, this book already needs an updated edition and additional coverage on the evolution of domestic intelligence agencies and analysts.

A MUST READ FOR INTELLIGENCE GEEKS

If you are fascinated by the gathering and analysis of intelligence, as I am, then this is a must read. It covers the origins of US intelligence gathering, moves on to some notorious intelligence failures and suggests how to improve the process. The chapters are written by several different professional intelligence analysts and cover almost all the intelligence agencies. A very geeky good read. Loved it.