Provides tools to challenge intelligence assessments systematically and as objectively as possible, a prerequisite to vetted intelligence conclusions Outlines diagnostic techniques that can be used to explain events or data sets, anticipate potential outcomes, predict future trends, and make decisions for optimal outcomes Details how to conduct research to effectively write, edit, format, and disseminate reports to best effect

There are a limited number of intelligence analysis books available on the market. 　Intelligence Analysis Fundamentals is an introductory, accessible text for college level undergraduate and graduate level courses. While the principles outlined in the book largely follow military intelligence terminology and practice, concepts are presented to correlate with intelligence gathering and analysis performed in law enforcement, homeland security, and corporate and business security roles. Most of the existing texts on intelligence gathering and analysis focus on specific types of intelligence such as ‘target centric’ intelligence, and many of these, detail information from a position of prior knowledge. In other words, they are most valuable to the consumer who has a working-level knowledge of the subject.

The book is general enough in nature that a lay student—interested in pursuing a career in intelligence, Homeland Security, or other related areas of law enforcement—will benefit from it. 　No prior knowledge of intelligence analysis, functions, or operations is assumed.　 Chapters illustrate methods and techniques that, over the years, have consistently demonstrate results, superior to those achieved with other means. Chapters describe such analytical methods that are most widely used in the intelligence community and serve as recognized standards and benchmarks in the practice of intelligence analysis. 　All techniques have been selected for inclusion for their specific application to homeland security, criminal investigations, and intelligence operations. 　

Uses numerous hands-on activities—that can easily be modified by instructors to be more or less challenging depending on the course level—to reinforce concepts

As current and active members of the intelligence community, the authors draw on their decades of experience in intelligence to offer real-world examples to illustrate concepts

All methodologies reflect the latest trends in the intelligence communities assessment, analysis, and reporting processes with all presented being open source, non-classified information

As such, the non-sensitive information presented is appropriate—and methods applicable—for use for education and training overseas and internationally

Military-style collection and analysis methods are the primary ones presented, but all are directly correlated intelligence to current concepts, functions and practices within Homeland Security and the law communities

Covers the counterterrorism environment where joint operations and investigative efforts combine military, private sector, and law enforcement action and information sharing

The book will be a welcome addition to the body of literature available and a widely used reference for professionals and students alike.

Table of Contents

1. Defining Intelligence Analysis 2. The Intelligence Cycle 3. Thinking About Thinking 4. Perception and Deception 5. Knowing Your Audience 6. Analytical Communication 7. Defining the Problem 8. Generating the Hypothesis 9. The Collection Process 10. Analytical Tradecraft 11. Cognitive Traps for Intelligence Analysis 12. Probability Estimation 13. Creating an Analytical Plan 14. Preparing and Conducting Intelligence Briefings 15. Best Practices 16. Operations Security OPSEC

Taking Intelligence to the Next Level: Advanced Intelligence Analysis Methodologies Using Real-World Business, Crime, Military, and Terrorism Examples examines intelligence gathering and analysis and the significance of these programs. Coverage assumes a basic understanding of the intelligence cycle and processes, and the book builds upon the author’s previous text, Intelligence Analysis Fundamentals—also published by CRC Press—to further address various types of intelligence, the function and increasing usage of intelligence in both the private and public sectors, and the consumption of intelligence products to inform strategic decision-making.

Developed for a classroom environment, chapters are packed with multiple examples, visuals, and practical exercises tailored for the intelligence community (IC), military intelligence analyst, criminal, or business analyst alike. The text begins with a chapter on analytical ethics, an important topic that sets the tone for those to come that cover intelligence gathering analytical techniques. The author utilizes multiple instructive learning approaches to build on the student’s existing analytical skills gained from other training resources, their experience, or some other combination.

While topics covered are germane to all intelligence analysis fields—including military, national, political, criminal, and business—specific chapters and sections and most instructional examples, scenarios, exercises, and learning activities focus on the Homeland Security Mission and the associated problem sets. The training presentation methods and instructional approaches are the product of much thought, research, and discussion, and a variety of US government and commercial analytical training methodologies are presented. The book closes with a final chapter looking at future trends in intelligence analysis.

Key Features:

Provides tools to challenge intelligence assessments systematically and objectively, a prerequisite to vetted intelligence conclusions

Outlines diagnostic techniques to explain events or data sets, anticipate potential outcomes, predict future trends, and make decisions for optimal outcomes

Details how to conduct research to effectively write, edit, format, and disseminate reports to best effect

An accompany Instructor’s Guide, for use in the classroom, contains the same practical exercises as those found in the student text, as well as facilitator’s guides, practical exercise solutions, discussion points, sample test questions, and answer keys, to include other websites that can provide additional instructional content. Taking Intelligence to the Next Level serves as an essential course textbook for programs in intelligence, terrorism, and Homeland Security in addition to serving a useful reference for practicing professionals.

Ancillaries including PowerPoint lecture slides, as well as the Instructor’s Guide with Test Bank, are available for qualified course adopters.

Table of Contents

1: Analytical Ethics 2: CARVER and Other Criticality and Vulnerability Assessments 3: Target-Focused Analysis 4: Alternatives Analysis 5: Challenging Assumptions 6: Applications of Modeling in Analysis 7: Challenging the Assessment 8: Futures Analysis 9: Threat Finance 10: Open-Source Intelligence 11: Activity-Based Intelligence 12: Trends in Intelligence Analysis

There are a limited number of intelligence analysis books available on the market. 　Intelligence Analysis Fundamentals is an introductory, accessible text for college level undergraduate and graduate level courses. While the principles outlined in the book largely follow military intelligence terminology and practice, concepts are presented to correlate with intelligence gathering and analysis performed in law enforcement, homeland security, and corporate and business security roles. Most of the existing texts on intelligence gathering and analysis focus on specific types of intelligence such as ‘target centric’ intelligence, and many of these, detail information from a position of prior knowledge. In other words, they are most valuable to the consumer who has a working-level knowledge of the subject.

The book is general enough in nature that a lay student—interested in pursuing a career in intelligence, Homeland Security, or other related areas of law enforcement—will benefit from it. 　No prior knowledge of intelligence analysis, functions, or operations is assumed.　 Chapters illustrate methods and techniques that, over the years, have consistently demonstrate results, superior to those achieved with other means. Chapters describe such analytical methods that are most widely used in the intelligence community and serve as recognized standards and benchmarks in the practice of intelligence analysis. 　All techniques have been selected for inclusion for their specific application to homeland security, criminal investigations, and intelligence operations. 　

Uses numerous hands-on activities—that can easily be modified by instructors to be more or less challenging depending on the course level—to reinforce concepts

As current and active members of the intelligence community, the authors draw on their decades of experience in intelligence to offer real-world examples to illustrate concepts

All methodologies reflect the latest trends in the intelligence communities assessment, analysis, and reporting processes with all presented being open source, non-classified information

As such, the non-sensitive information presented is appropriate—and methods applicable—for use for education and training overseas and internationally

Military-style collection and analysis methods are the primary ones presented, but all are directly correlated intelligence to current concepts, functions and practices within Homeland Security and the law communities

Covers the counterterrorism environment where joint operations and investigative efforts combine military, private sector, and law enforcement action and information sharing

The book will be a welcome addition to the body of literature available and a widely used reference for professionals and students alike.

Table of Contents

1. Defining Intelligence Analysis 2. The Intelligence Cycle 3. Thinking About Thinking 4. Perception and Deception 5. Knowing Your Audience 6. Analytical Communication 7. Defining the Problem 8. Generating the Hypothesis 9. The Collection Process 10. Analytical Tradecraft 11. Cognitive Traps for Intelligence Analysis 12. Probability Estimation 13. Creating an Analytical Plan 14. Preparing and Conducting Intelligence Briefings 15. Best Practices 16. Operations Security OPSEC