Tensions in Analyst-Policymaker Relations: Opinions, Facts, and Evidence
Abstract
This memorandum on tensions in analyst-policymaker relations is occasioned by recent media accounts of DOD-Intelligence Community differences over the extent of Iraqi-al Qa'ida ties. Similar patterns of tension have existed over the decades. The following conclusions could have been crafted about Vietnam War issues in the 1960s, Soviet strategic intentions in the 1970s, or Central American insurgencies in the 1980s. (1) Tension over policymaker criticism of intelligence performance on hot-button issues is normal; (2) The intensity and political content of policymaker criticism, and thus the analysts' pain, can vary considerably; (3) One key to effective management is to take seriously the analytic elements of criticism; (4) The analysts' pain is magnified when colleagues levy charges of "unprofessional analysis" and "politicization" against attempts to address policymaker concerns through more deliberate tradecraft or Alternative Analysis and (5) Leadership can ease tensions with policy officials and among analysts by articulating robust corporate tradecraft responses for disputes over interpretation of ambiguous evidence.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA526555
Entities
People
- Jack Davis
Organizations
- Central Intelligence Agency