Analyzing Intelligence, now in a revised and extensively updated second edition, assesses the state of the profession of intelligence analysis from the practitioner's point of view. The contributors-most of whom have held senior positions in the US intelligence community-review the evolution of the field, the rise of new challenges, and how intelligence analysis is changing-and must change-to deal with 21st century national security problems. New chapters highlight advances in the intelligence community in structured analytic techniques, training, expertise-building, and professional development. Written for national security practitioners and for scholars and students studying the role of intelligence, its strengths and weaknesses, and its future directions, Analyzing Intelligence is essential reading for anyone seeking an understanding of the role and performance of analysis in US intelligence.
A little dry,as one might expect, but I learned some things I think I can put into action. Particularly valuable to me was the list of who to blame for bad assessments based on the circumstances. Too many people use intel as a scapegoat for bad decisions!
Textbook for the first half of my intelligence vulnerabilities course. Not terrible but a bit dry. Lots of emphasis on professionalization of the profession through structured training.