Why Intelligence Fails
http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2010-03-15/why-intelligence-fails
Is it ever possible to understand or predict the actions of foreign governments and terror networks? The U.S. government spends billions of dollars on collecting and analyzing intelligence. But U.S. agencies often find their work second guessed and openly criticized by policymakers and general public. Kojo talks with a leading scholar about intelligence failures in recent American history, and how they affect our foreign policy.
Guests
Robert Jervis
Adlai E. Stevenson Professor of International Politics, Columbia University; author "Why Intelligence Fails: Lessons from the Iranian Revolution and the Iraq War" (Cornell University Press)
Comments
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An excellent discussion. I would suggest that the intelligence agencies are not unique in their capacity to use data or input. One's earliest statistics courses set the proposition that the 'null set' always was critical. It is important to know that something doesn't work or isn't true. But the larger issue is how management regardless of the theater is not skilled translating data into action. "Don't confuse the issue with facts!", is a critical flaw in government, business, religion, community and history. The issues stems from a flaw in education at all levels. Sorry to know there may be no solution.