The future of intelligence: fusion or fragmentation

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A decade after 9/11, extensive intelligence reform in the '5 Eyes' communities have had many objectives. A key objective has been to 'fuse' intelligence more effectively within intelligence agencies and across communities. While intelligence fusion may represent efforts by political decision-makers and heads of intelligence agencies to risk manage more effectively the application of intelligence to an increasingly complex security environment, questions remain whether reform efforts have resulted in effective fusion or more fragmentation of intelligence. Drawing on recent research collected in the '5 Eyes' communities, this paper examines five case studies of intelligence frameworks to examine whether the reforms underpinning them represent effective practice, including greater fusion. The paper argues that further evidence needs to be collected to enable a full analysis of this question; however the data collected thus far suggests more needs to be done in a range of areas to improve current reform measures aimed at improving the effectiveness of intelligence frameworks. In particular, the paper concludes one priority area for improvement needing further reflection by academics and decision-makers is how to enhance intelligence governance. The paper concludes with suggestions for how intelligence governance can be improved within and across intelligence agencies.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)59-90
Number of pages32
JournalJournal of the Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers
Volume19
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 2011

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