Demystifying Intelligence - Things
you always wondered about but never knew whom to ask!
Intelligence issues are gaining
more and more public notoriety, most recently following the terrorist attacks
of September 11, 2001, which the media attributed to yet another intelligence
failure. Because of the highly classified nature of the intelligence
business, the general public has few occasions to learn more about the
business of intelligence to judge such media claims. Other frequently
sensationalized revelations deal with the discovery of spies within the
intelligence and law enforcement communities.
The
presenter, a retired intelligence officer with extensive experience in
the conduct and oversight of intelligence, is particularly passionate about
informing the public about intelligence issues. She believes that
the taxpayer deserves to be better informed about the capabilities, limitations,
and costs of intelligence, as well as the impact of intelligence on U.S.
foreign policy decisions. Her presentation, which she has given to
numerous audiences over the past two years, seeks to dispel common misperceptions
about intelligence operations (James Bond, assassinations, etc.) and clarify
some basic concepts (spies, agents, intelligence officers, covert operations,
clandestine activities, etc.).
This overview of intelligence
issues will include a description of the various components of the U.S.
intelligence community and intelligence collection disciplines, the use
of intelligence in the conduct of U.S. foreign policy, the real or perceived
conflict between the conduct of intelligence operations and the principles
of democracy, and legal and congressional oversight. Specific examples
will accompany each concept, including some basic intelligence terminology,
suggested online intelligence resources for further research, and reference
to applicable laws.
The presentation style is
informal, but informative, using humor and specific examples to illustrate
each point. The audience is especially encouraged to ask questions
throughout the presentation.
U.S. Intelligence: Evolution
of a Policy Tool
The
terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001 underscored
the need for the US intelligence community to adapt to the changing threats
in a post-Cold War world. To support US national security needs and foreign
policy effectively, the intelligence community shifted its focus from the
traditional adversaries of the post-World War II and Cold War era to those
of disparate stateless, shadow organizations like Al-Qa’idah. The recommendations
of the 9/11 Commission effected a major restructuring of the US intelligence
community and a change in is relationship with law enforcement agencies.
Emily Francona, a retired
US intelligence officer and former professional staff member with the US
Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, explains the impact of these changes
and challenges audience members to consider the pros and cons of a more
effective intelligence community within the parameters of our democratic
values.
The
presenter, a retired intelligence officer with extensive experience in
the conduct and oversight of intelligence, is particularly passionate about
informing the public about intelligence issues. She believes that
the taxpayer deserves to be better informed about the capabilities, limitations,
and costs of intelligence, as well as the impact of intelligence on U.S.
foreign policy decisions. Her presentation, which she has given to
numerous audiences over the past two years, seeks to dispel common misperceptions
about intelligence operations (James Bond, assassinations, etc.) and clarify
some basic concepts (spies, agents, intelligence officers, covert operations,
clandestine activities, etc.).
The
terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001 underscored
the need for the US intelligence community to adapt to the changing threats
in a post-Cold War world. To support US national security needs and foreign
policy effectively, the intelligence community shifted its focus from the
traditional adversaries of the post-World War II and Cold War era to those
of disparate stateless, shadow organizations like Al-Qa’idah. The recommendations
of the 9/11 Commission effected a major restructuring of the US intelligence
community and a change in is relationship with law enforcement agencies.