Perspektiv på underrättelseanalys -produkten, processen och professionen

Abstract

Aims and objectives: The main purpose of this study is to map different perspectives on products, processes and the profession among analysts in an intelligence context. A further goal is to explore analyst perceptions of failures and obstacle in the way of making good intelligence analysis; and to compare the results with perspectives from policy makers and results from scholars among the field of Intelligence studies. Method and data: The study is based on semi-­‐structured interviews of intelligence analyst among an intelligence unit within Swedish Customs and is supplemented by a web-­‐survey. Results: The result points to a need for a definition of good intelligence which probably could help the promotion of quality management among the area of Intelligence Analysis. The use of verbal expressions of uncertainty can be a source for misunderstanding. By exploring analyst perspectives more of day-­‐to-­‐ day issues and problems can be addressed and also give nuance to research in Intelligence Analysis. The study advocates a transformation of the profession Intelligence Analyst, from tradecraft to be permeated by a scientific approach.