Intelligence Collection

commentary

An Early Policy Victory for DNI Haines: Boost the Priority of Open Sources Information

The quantity, quality, and accessibility of publicly available information has exploded over the past decades. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines has an opportunity to advance intelligence community mission activities on several key issues shaped by the digital information age, including the role of publicly available information.

John V. Parachini @JohnParachini, J.D. Williams, et al.

blog

America's Declining Global Influence, COVID-19 and Schools, Pardoning Snowden: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on America's declining status on the world stage, why schools need long-term plans to address COVID-19, what Shinzo Abe's resignation means for the U.S.-Japan alliance, and more.

commentary

A Snowden Pardon Could Have a Snowball Effect on Protecting National Security Secrets

If President Trump were to pardon Edward Snowden, then he might encourage vigilante behavior that puts at risk the very sensitive information and operations—meaning American interests and lives—that the U.S. national security system is intended to protect.

Sina Beaghley, Marek N. Posard @mnposard

q&a

Intel, Ethics, and Emerging Tech: Q&A with Cortney Weinbaum

Cortney Weinbaum studies topics related to intelligence and cyber policy as a senior management scientist at RAND. In this interview, she discusses challenges facing the intelligence community, the risks of using AI as a solution, and ethics in scientific research.

commentary

Intelligence Losses Pose Large Risks as U.S. Troops Head Home

Departing theaters such as Syria and Afghanistan carries a host of associated risks, challenges and potential benefits. Leaders would be well served to factor into the debate the importance of U.S. intelligence collection capabilities, its connection to U.S. presence overseas and its role in anticipating current and future threats.

Jason H. Campbell @JasonHCampbell, Javed Ali

blog

Studying Soviets, Not Sex: Margaret Mead's Research at RAND

Anthropologist Margaret Mead studied Russian culture and attitudes toward authority while at RAND from 1948 to 1950. To accomplish what she called culture cracking, Mead looked to Russian emigres, books, journals, archives, and films since the Soviet Union was inaccessible.

commentary

Three Ways to Improve Australia's Intelligence Capability

Intelligence agencies should become centers of expertise, focus on what matters for their customers, and coordinate a network of partners. To better deliver on these three priorities, the Australian Intelligence Community should consider a leadership structure with authority to guide and coordinate these processes.

Arzan Tarapore

commentary

The Future of Cyber Investigations at the FBI Is Unclear

Evidence presented by the FBI in the case of U.S. v. Jay Michaud was excluded because the agency was unwilling to reveal the software exploit used to collect it. If the FBI exposes its capabilities, other criminals can patch their computers, but concealing its techniques risks the ability to prosecute cyber criminals.

Sasha Romanosky, Cortney Weinbaum @cortney_dc

blog

Orlando Nightclub Shooting: RAND Experts React

RAND experts provide perspective on the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, what it likely means within the context of the campaign against ISIS, and more.

commentary

Cyberterrorism and the Role of Silicon Valley

As national security and war are being redefined for the digital age, Silicon Valley will need to be on the front line of counterterrorism. Its inventors and entrepreneurs are driving the information revolution, and they must figure out how to protect vital systems against malevolent intrusions.

Brian Michael Jenkins @BrianMJenkins

commentary

Anti-Muslim Rhetoric Is a National Security Threat

National security and counterterrorism experts agree that rhetoric that paints all Muslims as terrorists or terrorist sympathizers has a high chance of breeding future terrorists. And evidence suggests such language can hamper U.S. efforts to stop terrorists before they strike and to capture them after attacks.

Radha Iyengar Plumb

commentary

Terror Attacks in Brussels: Insights from RAND Experts

RAND experts weigh in on the timing of the deadly bombings in Brussels, why the attack was inevitable, Salah Abdeslam's arrest, and more.

commentary

Europe's Terror Fight Far from Over

Salah Abdeslam is suspected of being the logistics man for the November terrorist attacks in Paris. His capture may provide authorities with a window into the ISIS network in Europe.

Brian Michael Jenkins @BrianMJenkins, Jean-Francois Clair

commentary

Tracking Refugees with Biometrics: More Questions Than Answers

Using biometrics in refugee crises is compelling because it gives individuals who have nothing proof of identity even without a government-issued credential like an ID card or passport. But who has rights to the U.N. biometrics database and what is its future?

Sarah Lovell

commentary

A Symbolic Purging of the NYPD Radicalization Report

The NYPD's purging of its 2007 report on radicalization may give some satisfaction by symbolically breaking the connection between the current mayoral administration and the NYPD's previous intelligence and investigative efforts. But its significance seems questionable.

Brian Michael Jenkins @BrianMJenkins, Richard Daddario