Analyzing Intelligence

by Roger Z. George

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 fifty 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.

Genres: Espionage, Military Fiction, Nonfiction, Psychology, Politics, History

Paperback

First published April 15, 2008

Reviews

[Andrew Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

These days I tend to be dubious about edited books, but this one shines. It has a good mix of author backgrounds and styles, and range of topics allowing the book to hit multiple high notes, but in a quick and effective fashion.

This is designed for those inside or planning to enter the Intelligence Community, but it offers many useful ideas and perspectives on the work of analysis writ large. There is a lot which overlaps with academic work, from the methods and motivations to the management of analysts.

Written in the 2006-2008 period, the book is also a useful snapshot of a US intelligence community trying to work through two serious failures: 9/11 and Iraq's WMD. There are contributions from very senior analysts within the book which offer fresh insights into how these failed analyses occurred, and some possible responses, from the cognitive to the bureaucratic.

[Dex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone has the ability to have an analytical mind, it only takes discipline and maybe not having any mental illness to detract or distract them from accomplishing the process.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When those difficult cases occur, they are difficult, chiefly because while we have them under consideration, all the reasons pro and con are not present to the mind at the same time, but sometimes one set presents themselves, and at other times another, the first being out of sight. Hence the various purposes or inclinations that alternatively prevail, and the uncertainty that perplexes us.
To get over this, my way is to divide half a sheet of paper by a line into two columns; writing over the one Pro, and over the other Con. Then, during three or four days of consideration, I put down under the different heads short hints of the different motives, that at different time occur to me, for or against the measure.
When I have thus got them all together in one view, I endeavor to estimate their respective weights; and where I find two, one on each side, that seem equal, I strike them both out. If I find a reason pro equal to some two reasons con, I strike out the three, ... and thus proceeding I find at length where the balance lies; and if, after a day or two of further consideration, nothing new that is of importance occurs on either side, I come to a determination accordingly."

[Gordon Basichis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most interesting. Contributions by different intelligence analysts. The book provides a terrific overall view and then examines the strengths and weaknesses of the intelligence process bot historically and as it is today. There are cogent recommendations for bringing the intelligence analyst process up to date for optimum effectiveness. Not beach reading, that's for sure, but probably the most incisive book on intelligence analysis I have read to date.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because of my interest in the intelligence field. I thought it gave terrific analysis of the field as how it was, how it is, and how it can be. I found some of the chapters a bit dry, but the last two or three sections were very interesting and worth the read.

[Amy Ayers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this for class.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential introductory read for anyone who is interested in Intelligence analysis.