Toward a theory of intelligence : workshop report / Gregory F. Treverton [et al.].

Format:

Book

Contributor:

United States. Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Intelligence Policy Center (U.S.)

Treverton, Gregory F.

Series:

Conference proceedings (Rand Corporation).

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Intelligence service--United States--Congresses.

Intelligence service.

National security--United States--Congresses.

National security.

United States--Foreign relations--2001-2009--Congresses.

United States.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (vi, 35 pages)

Place of Publication:

Santa Monica, CA : RAND Corporation, 2006.

Summary:

In June 2005, the RAND Corporation and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence convened a one-day workshop to discuss how theories underlie intelligence and might lead to both a better understanding and better practice of U.S. intelligence. Forty attendees (practitioners, academics, and specialists) participated in four panels: What Is Intelligence Theory?; Is There an American Theory of Intelligence?; Which Assumptions Should Be Overturned?; and How Can Intelligence Results Be Measured? Issues debated included whether intelligence should be defined narrowly, as secret state activity, or broadly, as information for decisionmaking; whether there is a uniquely American theory or practice of intelligence, in its technology, militarization and congressional oversight; whether closer relationships between intelligence officers and policymakers leads to politicization; and how to devise metrics for assessing the performance of intelligence. Readers will find opinions that look familiar as well as others that challenge or refine the customary formulations.

Contents:

Introduction

What is intelligence theory?

Is there an American theory of intelligence?

Which assumptions should be overturned?

How can intelligence results be measured?