Intelligence Analysis
Choose ANY of the following suggested essay topics. You do not need to start with the first one and work down. You can chose any one in any order. You can also slightly modify or revise the suggestion as long as you get the direction headed. You should choose one that excites you in some way and inspires you to write at length.
Expound on whether intelligence analysis is a form of “crime-fighting” or “war-fighting” or a mix of the two or something else. What would you call it that is being fought? And, how is wartime intelligence different from peacetime intelligence?
Is there too much emphasis upon “secrecy” within the intelligence enterprise, either by governments, military, or business? Is it interfering with transparency and accountability? Is it impeding other things, and if so, what else?
Is it right for intelligence to be involved in covert action, denial and deception, propaganda, or promoting or stirring up conspiracies for purposes of misleading an enemy, an adversary, or tampering with civil society? What do you think the role of intelligence ought to be in regard to misinformation, disinformation, fake news, and conspiracies nowadays?
There is a phrase that “the best intelligence analysis always involves large elements of self-deception.” What is this “self-deception” thing they’re talking about? Is it referring to some kind of “mental gymnastics” that analysts do in order to enter some kind of state of mind for doing better analysis or avoiding cognitive bias?
Discuss the problems and implications of information overload in today’s Information Society and OSINT environment and compare this to the old problem of information scarcity that defined or characterized intelligence in the old days. Is there need for new intelligence theory or paradigm based on the new problem?
F. Pick a sphere, sector, or infrastructure of society that you think should have the strongest and most active intelligence-related activities directed toward it, and explain why your pick represents a critically important strategic area to focus upon, either offensively or defensively.
Other than because the law requires it, why is the use of Structured
Analytic Techniques a good (or bad) thing? Does it improve or impede the quality of intelligence analysis the good old-fashioned way? Or is it just another example of Congressional meddling?
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of TECHINT vs. HUMINT in relation to today’s state adversaries, like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. In chart form, describe the degree (percentage) of each INT that should be applied to each adversary, with short narratives justifying your percentages..
Pick an analytical tradecraft method you have learned about in the course as your favorite; and explain why it is your favorite, and if you think you have (or could have) mastered it.
When constructing scenarios, how important or relevant is it to always have a worst case scenario? Does it really matter if one does such a thing or is it OK to just have contrasting outcomes in different scenarios?
Give an example of your analytical writing that best illustrates how you would be fair, just-minded, and rational with something, particularly with the decomposition of a politicized request or inquiry.
Explain why you might want to work in the intelligence field and what role you would you prefer to serve, such as an academic researcher, intelligence analyst, investigator, prosecutor, or defense attorney.
What would you say are the largest gaps in scholarly knowledge in the field of intelligence studies?
N. Do you think the nation’s intelligence chiefs should come from within the IC or outside? Should they be civilians or military personnel? Is it all right if they have held elective office and have a party affiliation?
O. Why has counterintelligence often been the neglected stepchild among intelligence activities? Would improvement of it help catch traitors, spies, and leakers, and if so, to what ends?
P. Why is the phrase “intelligence ethics” oxymoronic? Are there moral bright lines that should never be crossed?
Q. Pick a self-created Essay question or one that has come up in class that interests you.
