Data sources for intelligence analysts may come from within their home agencies, compiled in support of their agency’s mission, or else from external sources, such as from data sets compiled by government and private entities. There is a function in analysis for projecting uncertain futures, however, the role of the intelligence analyst is most oftenContinue reading “Data Sources and Focus Of Intelligence Analysts”
Author Archives: PATTI
Culture And The Challenge Of Mirror Imaging
Analysts in the IC are sometimes called upon to explain the behaviors, motives, and intent of actors outside of the United States. Explaining human behavior and interpreting thought is extraordinarily difficult even within one’s own culture, but it adds a dimension of complexity when we discuss persons whose cultures we don’t share. Mirror imaging, orContinue reading “Culture And The Challenge Of Mirror Imaging”
Revisiting Published Analyses To Improve Accuracy Of Future Work
Intelligence agencies are good at new production, but revisiting published analyses, also referred to as a postmortem analysis, is good practice to see if products stand the test of time. Generally, self-examination occurs only after publicly-exposed intelligence failures. More often than not, once a department hits the dissemination button, the process ends. But revisiting publishedContinue reading “Revisiting Published Analyses To Improve Accuracy Of Future Work”
Useful Intelligence Production
Intelligence production is costly in terms of both money and time, yet feedback on products is rare. Are customers satisfied, or is the analysis not always being read? Here are excerpts from an interview by CIA analyst and trainer Jack Davis* of former ambassador to India Robert D. Blackwill. Even though the article, “A Policymaker’sContinue reading “Useful Intelligence Production”
How To Write An Intelligence Question
Revised 29 January 2022 A good intelligence question leads naturally to an analytical thesis. It is distinguished from a research question in that a research question elicits facts; an intelligence question elicits analysis. The answer to an intelligence question offers a “what” and a “so what.” The “what” is a factual statement that might deriveContinue reading “How To Write An Intelligence Question”