Poliical Science

Poliical Science

INTL 634 establishes intelligence analysis in relation to the determination of a threat.  In addition, it looks at the interaction between analysis and policy development when dealing with international threats to security.  This course will focus on a variety of aspects and issues related to both US and foreign threat analysis, including the growth of and changes in global responses to threats.  It also examines differences in approach based on cultural and historic norms found in different countries.  Throughout the course, case studies and vignettes are used to examine the reasons for success or failure in historical cases.  The student will compare and contrast the different methods of taking action against global threats, will develop views on how US intelligence and senior US leaders assess and respond to international threats aimed at US national security interests, and will assess how these threats affect US decision-making and vice versa.

• Identify the basic analytic tools, concerns, and problems involved when performing threat analysis at the national and international level.

• Examine the role of analysts in US intelligence agencies in assessing and countering threats to US and global security and the effect of policy makers in applying this information.

• Identify historic and cultural differences encountered when comparing the analysis and policy practices of different countries.

• Analyze complex situations, apply analytic tools, and suggest possible problems and solutions using information gained from this course.