Getting beyond analysis by anecdote: improving intelligence analysis through the use of case studies
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Authors
Dahl, Erik J.
Subjects
Advisors
Date of Issue
2017
Date
2017
Publisher
Routledge, Taylor & Francis
Language
Abstract
Since the 9/11 attacks critics of the American intelligence community have often complained about the lack of scientific rigor in intelligence analysis, and much of the work of the intelligence community has been described as mere ‘analysis by anecdote.’ In response, the intelligence community has made a considerable e ort to increase the rigor of its analysis. But surprisingly little has been done to examine how intelligence professionals might bene t from adopting one of the most common methods used in the social sciences: case study analysis. This article argues that a greater understanding of how case studies are used by political scientists and other scholars can help improve the quality of intelligence analysis and help the intelligence community assist policymakers as they attempt to understand the threats and challenges of today’s world.
Type
Article
Description
The article of record may be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02684527.2017.1310967
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Erik J. Dahl (2017) Getting beyond analysis by anecdote: improving intelligence analysis through the use of case studies, Intelligence and National Security, 32:5, 563-578, DOI: 10.1080/02684527.2017.1310967
Distribution Statement
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.