Revisiting Intelligence and Policy: Problems with Politicization and Receptivity

by Stephen Marrin (Editor)

Overview

The relationship between intelligence organizations and the national security policymakers which they support has its ups and downs. Sometimes the relationship is a good one; communication flows and both sides benefit from the interaction, but sometimes difficulties arise and problems develop. For example, when knowledge is required for decision but is not available or is inaccurate the outcome is frequently described as an intelligence failure. A subset of this kind of intelligence failure occurs when knowledge is distorted in order to reinforce or oppose policymaker preferences or expectations. Another less successful outcome occurs when good, accurate knowledge is not used to improve policy, but is instead set aside or ignored by those who have the responsibility and obligation to make decisions.

This collection explores the difficulties that can arise in the relationship between intelligence and policy. The chapters consider both politicization of, and lack of receptiveness to, intelligence on the part of policymakers from a variety of different angles. Readers will find that this book challenges conventional wisdom and offers new ways of thinking about this important but understudied area.

This book was published as a special issue of Intelligence and National Security.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415730211
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/16/2013
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	6.88(w) x 9.69(h) x (d)

About the Author

Stephen Marrin is an associate professor at James Madison University, USA. Previously he was an analyst with the Central Intelligence Agency and then the US Government Accountability Office (GAO). Holder of a PhD from the University of Virginia, USA, he is Chair of the Intelligence Studies Section of the International Studies Association.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Revisiting Intelligence and Policy: Problems with Politicization and Receptivity Stephen Marrin 2. The Politics of Intelligence and the Politicization of Intelligence: The American Experience Glenn Hastedt 3. Rethinking Analytic Politicization Stephen Marrin 4. Is Politicization Ever a Good Thing? Joshua Rovner 5. Why Won’t They Listen? Comparing Receptivity Toward Intelligence at Pearl Harbor and Midway Erik J. Dahl 6. Tasting the Forbidden Fruit: Unlocking the Potential of Positive Politicization Nathan Woodard