Overcoming Information Overload: Open Source Intelligence in a Modern Threat Environment

Abstract

The changing nature of global threats to the United States and an evolving information environment require fundamental adjustments to intelligence structures and processes, and open source intelligence (OSINT) offers the most adaptive and expansive discipline to address these global changes. Four underlying issues establish the basis for elevating OSINT as an intelligence discipline: 1) the blurred line between intelligence and information; 2) the need to adjust the intelligence community (IC) to a changing environment; 3) the vast array of threats in a globalized environment; and 4) the exponential growth of the information environment. OSINT offers the most effective approach to address these issues, though it cannot address all or even the most dangerous threats. A dual track approach of OSINT and focused secret intelligence disciplines through a combination of pragmatic, targeted solutions and incremental restructuring offers the most likely chance of negotiating todays threat environment.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 20, 2018
Accession Number
AD1177126

Entities

People

  • Scott D Minner

Organizations

  • Marine Corps University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Big Data
  • Climate Change
  • Cold War
  • Department Of Defense
  • Employment
  • Governments
  • Intelligence (Information Gathering)
  • Intelligence Analysis
  • Intelligence Collection
  • Intelligence Collection Disciplines
  • Intelligence Community (United States)
  • Intelligence Cycle
  • Language
  • Marine Corps
  • Military Intelligence
  • National Security
  • New York
  • Open Source Intelligence
  • Second World War
  • Social Media
  • Terrorism
  • United States

Readers

  • Geospatial Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence Analytics
  • Strategic Security Studies