The Relevance of the Intelligence Cycle - Case Study Example

Is the Intelligence Cycle Relevant in the 21st Century? Name Institution’s name Date Is the Intelligence Cycle Relevant in the 21st Century? Introduction The 21st century is indeed the information era; organizations and government agencies are relying on information to run their programs efficiently. The lapse of proper information management is the genesis of the flaws that government institutions and organizations are making today (Miller, 2000). Intelligence refers to vital information that is used by the relevant people and authorities in making the most feasible decision regarding a particular issue (Lowenthal, 2000). Intelligence is significant in various spectrums like governance, security and legal systems. Thus, the contemporary world should have sound intelligence structures in order to overcome the challenges that the 21st century faces. For intelligence to be of benefit to the relevant people there is need to utilize the intelligence circle. According to Phythian (2013), the intelligence cycle refers to the process through which raw information is developed into finished intelligence, thereby giving policy makers an opportunity to make imperative decisions concerning a particular issue of concern. Typically, the intelligence cycle contains five key steps including planning/direction, collection, processing, source analysis and dissemination (Phythian, 2013). The steps have an interconnectedness characteristic that makes them essential in creation of fundamental intelligence. Without the intelligence cycle, government agencies and institutions would lack vital information on how to make strategic decisions in handling the issues facing the modern world. Therefore, it is apparent that the intelligence cycle is extremely relevant in the 21st century. This paper seeks to give sound arguments supporting the relevance of intelligence cycle in the present day and age. Through an in-depth analysis of the supporting arguments, the paper will demonstrate how and why the intelligence cycle is an important process in the modern world. Undeniably, sound intelligence, stemming from the intelligence cycle is an imperative tool for policy makers in taking action about current and future trends. Cooperation and Coordination The present world is characterised by dominant cooperation and coordination than any other time in the past. Whether in the internal realms of a nation or with external forces, cooperation and coordination of integral information are increasingly becoming pertinent practices in the governance field (Walle, 2001). Policy makers are realising the imperative nature of intelligence sharing in order to achieve collective goals. In order to achieve inter-government and inter-organisational cooperation and coordination, the intelligence cycle plays an important role in bringing the relevant players together. As a result, it is notable to point out that the intelligence cycle is a pertinent policy dissemination process in a world that is extremely dependant on information sharing. According to Tuzuner (2010), cooperation and coordination are among the most vital issues of both the traditional and contemporary intelligence activities. Governments rely on sound intelligence to enhance the success of their foreign policy considerations. Foreign policy considerations are a common and significant feature of virtually every government in the world today. The global stage is characterised by increased collaboration between nations in terms of their foreign policies, thus making the intelligence cycle an essential process in achieving such objectives (Waltz, 2003). Through the planning stage of the intelligence cycle, foreign policy makers provide information needs that drive the intelligence effort. Based on the information needs provided in the planning step of the intelligence cycle, raw data is collected in order to meet the set objectives (Waltz, 2003). The careful analysis of the raw information is pivotal to foreign policy makers because they rely on the data to ensure that appropriate governance structures are put in place to enhance inter-governmental cooperation. Thus, the intelligence cycle is crucial because it sets the pace for international cooperation in matters of governance. Policy makers are able to identify the political, economic and legal structures that have the greatest impact on the international platform. Identifying and implementing the relevant activities for international cooperation and coordination is vital, and this can only be achieved through the elaborate articulation of the intelligence cycle. Information sharing is also another way through which the intelligence cycle is still relevant in the present age. The intelligence cycle enables institutions to develop frameworks through which they can cooperate and coordinate their functions effectively (Negulescu, 2011). The United Nations is an example of an international body that works together with other institutions to enhance peace in the world. Effective cooperation and coordination between the UN and other institutions deems it necessary for the usage of the intelligence cycle in order to identify the areas that need to be worked on. The processing phase of the intelligence cycle invites information sharing in order to give analysts an easy time in analysing the intelligence sourced (Lowenthal, 2000). Through this, the United Nations has been able to solve many conflicts around the world. The success of international organs stems from their ability to cooperate and coordinate effectively through the intelligence cycle. Without a doubt, the intelligence cycle is hugely influential in the present age as a cooperation and coordination tool. The Need for Effective Enhancement of National and Global Security Security is a global issue that is gaining immense prominence in the 21st century. Governments are putting a lot of efforts to ensure that there are adequate security measures in their countries. The use of intelligence in security matters is a common phenomenon in the world today (Negulescu, 2011). Through the use of intelligence information, security structures in a country are able to identify threats, and take the necessary measures to avert the threats. Effective policy making in global security enforcement is attributed to the articulation of intelligence information aimed at finding solutions to domestic and international security issues (Johnson, 2007). This implies that maintaining the appropriate security standards in the domestic and global realms requires security organs to rely deeply on intelligence collected from various relevant sources. In light of this, it is certain that the intelligence cycle is pertinent in the world of today. In terms of maintaining national and international security, the intelligence cycle is extremely vital because it enables security organs to identify areas that need to reinforcement (Fleisher, 2001). Intelligence producers gather the relevant data that guides policy makers through the process of decision making. The dissemination process of the intelligence cycle is the final step in making use of the fundamental intelligence gathered. The policy makers in the security field are able to make informed actions aimed at enhancing security parameters within and outside a country. For example, terrorism is a major security threat in the world today, and as a result, governments have heavily invested in intelligence agencies in order to counteract the problem (Richards, 2010). Terror attacks that have occurred in various places of the world have been as a result of serious lapses in the intelligence process. Through the intelligence cycle, security agencies are able to effectively gather information that can help in identifying and combating national and global terror activities. Since the 9/11 terror attacks on the United States of America, the field of intelligence took a radical shift that encouraged the continuous and rigorous collection of information about global terror activities (Tuzuner, 2010). Law enforcement agencies invest in the collection of information from diverse sources with the intention of countering any security threats. Additionally, they make the most of the analysis process in order to make the collected information usable for the final implementation. From the planning to the dissemination phases of the intelligence cycle, security agencies depend on the available intelligence to make strategic policy decisions that ensure the safety of the public. In other words, the present world deems it necessary for national and international security organs to employ strategic measures of enhancing security, and the intelligence cycle happens to be a viable process through which that can be achieved. The phases of the intelligence cycle are interconnected, thus making them significant to each other in the eventual policy declaration. So, it is worth noting that the intelligence cycle is relevant in the 21st century because of its ability to identify, locate and avert security concerns. Given the increase of security concerns in the contemporary world, the intelligence cycle, because of its strategic policy declarations, goes a long way in enhancing both national and global security. Diversity in the Usage of Information The use of dynamic and diverse information is an important characteristic of the modern world. The intelligence cycle creates a platform whereby data of a diverse nature is made available to government and organizational systems. In today’s world, policy considerations require intelligence agencies to gather varied information for the purpose of prioritizing the collected data. The intelligence cycle is relevant in the present age because it provides a framework through which wide options and strategies can be explored. Meeting the needs of a particular field might require the exploration of different angles, and this is well articulated in the intelligence process (Omand, 2013). The planning step of the cycle brings together diverse information aimed at solving the problems that exist in institutions or government structures (Tuzuner, 2010). Additionally, the collection of information from different sources acts as a tool for approaching an issue from an in-depth perspective. These factors are significant in the present day and age because long lasting solutions to issues of security and governance can only come from a carefully-explored process. The raw information gathered by intelligence producers is of a diverse nature that requires an elaborate analysis in order to make it easy for policy makers to take the appropriate action regarding the issue of concern (Buckley, 2013). The intelligence cycle is applicable because it allows information to go through an analysis process that turns information into significant intelligence. Therefore, since the intelligence cycle provides a platform through which unrefined information can be developed into detailed intelligence for policymakers, it makes it an integral part of the contemporary world. In a world where the collection of diverse raw information is necessary in making the final policy guidelines, the intellectual cycle is greatly significant because it provides a framework through which information is broken down into manageable pieces (Iowa department of public safety, 2015). The analysis and production process of the intelligence cycle enhances the reliability and validity of intelligence, which is consequently provided to policy makers to act upon it (Johnson, 2006). Without the intelligence cycle, it would be difficult for policy makers in today’s world to take informed and feasible actions concerning fundamental issues like security and governance. Thus, based on the diversity of intelligence collected by government institutions, the intelligence cycle plays an important role in meeting the objectives set; hence making it relevant in the 21st century. The Need for Participatory Approach in Modern Policy Making The modern world calls for participatory decision making in order to take actions aimed at the common good of those affected. In this respect, the intelligence cycle is relevant in the 21st century because it provides a platform through which the intelligence producer(s) and policy makers can be actively involved in making policy recommendations. Every step of the intelligence cycle invites inputs from different people, thus making it possible for the process to employ a participatory approach (Waltz, 2003). The capacity of a dynamic input collection in the intelligence process makes it hugely applicable in the present times because it validates the contribution of every resource in the policy making process. Contrary to the norm of the past whereby decisions could be made without the careful consideration of the fundamental components of an issue and the input of the major stakeholders, the modern world deems it necessary to be elaborate before the execution of major policy decisions (Tuzuner, 2010). The activist philosophy of intelligence argues that both the intelligence producer and eventual policy maker work collaboratively in the intelligence process (Tuzuner, 2010). Since the intellectual cycle consists of five steps that bring different people and authorities together for participative consultation, it makes it a relevant tool in today’s world. For instance, in matters of security, the planning step of the intelligence cycle deems it necessary to draw efforts from public officials who identify the need for the gathering of information related to security. Through the participative efforts of the different players from the planning to the dissemination steps, it is possible for policy makers to make informed decisions on issues of concern. Moreover, the modern world relies on vast amounts of intelligence in order to integrate their systems effectively. For example, according to Wittkopf (2004), the US depends on sound security intelligence to protect its domestic and foreign interests. The voluminous data requires the technical and physical efforts of various stakeholders in order to take the most appropriate actions. Since the intellectual circle allows multiple intelligence producers to work with policy makers in the decision-making process, it is certain that it is an extremely relevant process in the 21st century. Conclusion Certainly, the 21st century is experiencing rapid changes and adjustments that require the usage of effective systems in running the current operations. Policy makers are increasingly being faced with challenging situations while making important decisions affecting local, national and international jurisdictions. Issues of security, governance and law require effective investment in intelligence gathering for the purposes of making informed decisions for the benefit of the public. The problems that governments and institutions are facing today arise from the lack of effective information management systems. The rising insecurity, poor cooperation and coordination as well as ineffective governance stem from the incapacitation of the relevant authorities to put in place a feasible intelligence cycle. The intelligence cycle is hugely relevant in the 21st century because it acts as a platform through which the present problems associated with information mismanagement can be solved. The intelligence cycle enables different parties to cooperate in the decision-making process. This creates an opportunity for the parties involved to share information for the achievement of collective goals. The establishment of effective foreign policies and international cooperation makes the intelligence process an integral component of the 21st century. Secondly, it is evident that security vulnerability requires those involved to take drastic measures in solving the global problem. Security enhancement is one of the most significant issues that effective intelligence management can accomplish in the world of today. Therefore, based on the capacity of intelligence to solve the issue of insecurity in the world, the intelligence cycle is a pertinent process in virtually every part of the world. Security agencies can rely on the intelligence cycle to provide sound policy recommendations with the intention of maintaining national and global cohesion. It is notable to highlight that the present age thrives on the circulation of information for the purpose of approaching issues diversely. Given that the 21st century is the information age, collection of information from various sources is important in addressing the persistent problems that the world faces currently. This implies that it is paramount for the relevant authorities and policy makers to use the intelligence cycle as a way of gathering sufficient information about an issue before making the final decision. Lastly, the intelligence cycle is hugely significant in today’s world because it employs the input of various people in the decision-making process. Though it is the policy makers who make the final decisions on the issue of concern, the intelligence producers are also vital contributors in the eventual policy declarations. The participatory approach that the intelligence cycle brings on board makes it a truly relevant process in the modern world. References Buckley, J. (2013). Managing Intelligence a Guide for Law Enforcement Professionals. Hoboken: Taylor and Francis. Fleisher, C. (2001). Managing frontiers in competitive intelligence. Westport, Conn.: Quorum Books. Iowa department of public safety. (2015). Division of intelligence. Retrieved from: http://www.dps.state.ia.us/intell/intellcycle.shtml Johnson, L. (2007). Strategic intelligence understanding the hidden side of government. Westport, Conn.: Praeger Security International. Johnson, L. (2006). Harry Howe Ransom and American intelligence studies. Intelligence and National Security, 402-428. Lowenthal, M. (2000). Intelligence: From secrets to policy. Washington, DC: CQ Press. Miller, J. (2000). Millennium intelligence understanding and conducting competitive intelligence in the digital age. Medford, N.J.: CyberAge Books. Negulescu, F. (2011). INTELLIGENCE SHARING AND DISSEMINATION IN COMBINED JOINT SPECIAL OPERATIONS. Journal of Defence Resources Management, 2(2) 99-103. Omand, D. (2013). The Cycle Of Intelligence. Routledge Companion to Intelligence Studies, 4(2), 50-59. Phythian, M. (2013). Understanding the intelligence cycle. Routledge. Richards, J. (2010). The art and science of intelligence analysis. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Tuzuner, M. (2010). Intelligence cooperation practices in the 21st century towards a culture of sharing. Amsterdam: IOS Press. Walle, A. (2001). Qualitative research in intelligence and marketing the new strategic convergence. Westport, Conn.: Quorum Books. Waltz, E. (2003). Knowledge management in the intelligence enterprise. Boston: Artech House. Wittkopf, E. (2004). The domestic sources of American foreign policy: Insights and evidence (4th ed.). Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield. Read More

The careful analysis of the raw information is pivotal to foreign policy makers because they rely on the data to ensure that appropriate governance structures are put in place to enhance inter-governmental cooperation. Thus, the intelligence cycle is crucial because it sets the pace for international cooperation in matters of governance. Policy makers are able to identify the political, economic and legal structures that have the greatest impact on the international platform. Identifying and implementing the relevant activities for international cooperation and coordination is vital, and this can only be achieved through the elaborate articulation of the intelligence cycle.

Information sharing is also another way through which the intelligence cycle is still relevant in the present age. The intelligence cycle enables institutions to develop frameworks through which they can cooperate and coordinate their functions effectively (Negulescu, 2011). The United Nations is an example of an international body that works together with other institutions to enhance peace in the world. Effective cooperation and coordination between the UN and other institutions deems it necessary for the usage of the intelligence cycle in order to identify the areas that need to be worked on.

The processing phase of the intelligence cycle invites information sharing in order to give analysts an easy time in analysing the intelligence sourced (Lowenthal, 2000). Through this, the United Nations has been able to solve many conflicts around the world. The success of international organs stems from their ability to cooperate and coordinate effectively through the intelligence cycle. Without a doubt, the intelligence cycle is hugely influential in the present age as a cooperation and coordination tool.

The Need for Effective Enhancement of National and Global Security Security is a global issue that is gaining immense prominence in the 21st century. Governments are putting a lot of efforts to ensure that there are adequate security measures in their countries. The use of intelligence in security matters is a common phenomenon in the world today (Negulescu, 2011). Through the use of intelligence information, security structures in a country are able to identify threats, and take the necessary measures to avert the threats.

Effective policy making in global security enforcement is attributed to the articulation of intelligence information aimed at finding solutions to domestic and international security issues (Johnson, 2007). This implies that maintaining the appropriate security standards in the domestic and global realms requires security organs to rely deeply on intelligence collected from various relevant sources. In light of this, it is certain that the intelligence cycle is pertinent in the world of today.

In terms of maintaining national and international security, the intelligence cycle is extremely vital because it enables security organs to identify areas that need to reinforcement (Fleisher, 2001). Intelligence producers gather the relevant data that guides policy makers through the process of decision making. The dissemination process of the intelligence cycle is the final step in making use of the fundamental intelligence gathered. The policy makers in the security field are able to make informed actions aimed at enhancing security parameters within and outside a country.

For example, terrorism is a major security threat in the world today, and as a result, governments have heavily invested in intelligence agencies in order to counteract the problem (Richards, 2010). Terror attacks that have occurred in various places of the world have been as a result of serious lapses in the intelligence process. Through the intelligence cycle, security agencies are able to effectively gather information that can help in identifying and combating national and global terror activities.

Since the 9/11 terror attacks on the United States of America, the field of intelligence took a radical shift that encouraged the continuous and rigorous collection of information about global terror activities (Tuzuner, 2010).

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