When Everything is Intelligence - Nothing is Intelligence
Abstract
This engaging, anecdote-rich essay, was delivered as a keynote speech on 23 May 2002 at the Kent Center Conference on "Understanding and Teaching Intelligence Analysis: A Discipline for the 21st Century." In it, Professor Wilhelm Agrell of the University of Lund, Sweden reflects on the evolution of the practice of intelligence analysis into a modern profession. Highlighting what intelligence analysis is and, importantly, is not, he questions the recent fascination with applying "the concept or perhaps the illusion of intelligence analysis" too broadly, such as to "information processing activities that are not really intelligence in the professional sense of the word." Professor Agrell sounds a cautionary note that is timely at a historical juncture when intelligence analysis is receiving unusual public attention. By stressing the importance of linking theory and practice, he provides useful guidance for those establishing academic training programs in intelligence analysis and echoes the mission of the Kent Center and these Occasional Papers in promoting the development of intelligence analysis as a professional discipline.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA526584
Entities
People
- Wilhelm Agrell
Organizations
- Central Intelligence Agency