Synopsis
Michael Turner argues that the root causes of failures in American intelligence can be found in the way it is organized and in the intelligence process itself. Intelligence that has gone awry affects national decision making and, ultimately, American national security. Intelligence officials are reluctant to talk about intelligence successes, claiming “the secret of our success is the secret of our success.” But these officials also shy away from talking about failures, largely because doing so would expose the failings of American intelligence and have an impact on policy consumers who may become more reluctant to accept and act on the intelligence they receive.
Rather than focusing on case studies, the book takes a holistic approach, beginning with structural issues and all dysfunctions that emanate from them. Turner explores each step of the intelligence cycle―priority setting, intelligence collection, analysis, production, and dissemination―to identify the “inflection points” within each stage that contribute to intelligence failures. Finally, he examines a variety of plans that, if implemented, would reduce the likelihood of intelligence failures.
While examining the causes of intelligence failures, Turner also explores intelligence as a critical governmental activity, making the book an excellent primer on secret intelligence. Turner writes in jargon-free prose for the informed reader interested in foreign policy and national security policy matters and brings enough depth to his subject that even experts will find this a must-read.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Michael A. Turner is the Cannon Professor of International Affairs at Alliant International University. He is a fifteen-year veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency, where he worked in various analytical and staff positions. Dr. Turner also served on several rotational assignments on Capitol Hill and at the Department of State and Department of Defense. He has published widely and lectures on national security, intelligence issues, and Aegean and Middle Eastern politics. He lives in San Diego.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for Why Secret Intelligence Fails
Stock Image
Why Secret Intelligence Fails
Published by
Potomac Books, Incorporated, 2005
ISBN 10: 1574888900
ISBN 13: 9781574888904
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. rev. Former library copy. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # 40868419-6
Stock Image
Why Secret Intelligence Fails
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G1574888900I4N00
Stock Image
Why Secret Intelligence Fails
Seller: Lakeside Books, Benton Harbor, MI, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Brand New! Not Overstocks or Low Quality Book Club Editions! Direct From the Publisher! We're not a giant, faceless warehouse organization! We're a small town bookstore that loves books and loves it's customers! Buy from Lakeside Books! Seller Inventory # OTF-Y-9781574888904
Seller Image
Why Secret Intelligence Fails
Seller: GreatBookPrices, Columbia, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 2620354-n
Stock Image
Why Secret Intelligence Fails
Published by
POTOMAC BOOKS, Dulles, VA, 2005
ISBN 10: 1574888900
ISBN 13: 9781574888904
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Andrew's Books, San Diego, CA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. Book in black boards and unclipped jacket in photographic 9/11 in new mylar cover have minor shelf-wear, tight, bright, and unmarked. Warm, legible author inscription on flyleaf. Seller Inventory # 006598
Stock Image
Why Secret Intelligence Fails Format: Hardcover
Published by
University of Nebraska Press, 2005
ISBN 10: 1574888900
ISBN 13: 9781574888904
New
Hardcover
Seller: INDOO, Avenel, NJ, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Brand New. Seller Inventory # 9781574888904
Seller Image
Why Secret Intelligence Fails
Seller: GreatBookPrices, Columbia, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: As New. Unread book in perfect condition. Seller Inventory # 2620354
Stock Image
Why Secret Intelligence Fails (Hardcover)
Published by
Potomac Books Inc, Dulles, 2005
ISBN 10: 1574888900
ISBN 13: 9781574888904
New
Hardcover
Seller: Grand Eagle Retail, Bensenville, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: new. Hardcover. Michael Turner argues that the root causes of failures in American intelligence can be found in the way it is organized and in the intelligence process itself. Intelligence that has gone awry affects national decision making and, ultimately, American national security. Intelligence officials are reluctant to talk about intelligence successes, claiming "the secret of our success is the secret of our success." But these officials also shy away from talking about failures, largely because doing so would expose the failings of American intelligence and have an impact on policy consumers who may become more reluctant to accept and act on the intelligence they receive. Rather than focusing on case studies, the book takes a holistic approach, beginning with structural issues and all dysfunctions that emanate from them. Turner explores each step of the intelligence cycle - priority setting, intelligence collection, analysis, production, and dissemination - to identify the "inflection points" within each stage that contribute to intelligence failures. Finally, he examines a variety of plans that, if implemented, would reduce the likelihood of intelligence failures.While examining the causes of intelligence failures, Turner also explores intelligence as a critical governmental activity, making the book an excellent primer on secret intelligence. Turner writes in jargon-free prose for the informed reader interested in foreign policy and national security policy matters and brings enough depth to his subject that even experts will find this a must-read. Why did I write this book? I thought it was the right time to do so. Unfortunately, intelligence officials and policymakers often ignore, or at least downplay, intelligence failures. Yet, intelligence that goes awry affects national decisionmaking and, ultimately, American national security. Little is known about the causes of intelligence failures, in part because intelligence officials and their policy consumers are reluctant to talk about them. There is a saying in the United States intelligence community that the media and the public trumpet intelligence failures while ignoring intelligence successes. This would be true if the public knew as much about intelligence successes as it does about intelligence failures.However, the public does not know, largely because intelligence officials are reluctant to talk about intelligence successes, often claiming, "the secret of our success is the secret of our success." These people also shy away from talking about failures because doing so would expose the failings of American intelligence and have an impact on policy consumers who may become more reluctant to accept and act on the intelligence they receive. This, in turn, has consequences for the US intelligence community, whose legitimacy and funding depends, at least, on the appearance of making a difference in national decisionmaking. There is no doubt that intelligence provides benefits to national policymaking, and doing so efficiently requires coping with the problems associated with intelligence failures. Dealing with the phenomenon of intelligence failures, in turn, requires an understanding of their causes. This book is a modest try at filling this gap. I am fortunate to have been a practitioner of the craft of intelligence.I spent a big chunk of my adult life in intelligence, and I learned much about the intricacies of intelligence collection, analysis, production, and dissemination, to which the public rarely, if ever, is exposed. I also have had the privilege of studying the complexities of American intelligence as a scholar, an outsider. The two perspectives - of the insider and the outsider - have given me a complete picture of the workings of U.S. intel Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9781574888904
Stock Image
Why Secret Intelligence Fails
Published by
Potomac Books, 2005
ISBN 10: 1574888900
ISBN 13: 9781574888904
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: J. Mercurio Books, Maps, & Prints IOBA, Garrison, NY, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. 1st Edition. DJ in archival cover. with a full number line starting with 1. Seller Inventory # 010831
Stock Image
Why Secret Intelligence Fails
Seller: Kennys Bookshop and Art Galleries Ltd., Galway, GY, Ireland
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Seller Inventory # V9781574888904