A Perspective on the Strategy of Intelligence

Abstract

In writings on and discussions of bioterrorism prevention and control over the past two-plus decades, the subject of intelligence has received limited attention. This chapter is intended to provide a foundation for either scholars or others newly interested, and government and military program managers and decision makers interested in establishing a new program or developing a fledgling one. It could also be used to catalyze tailored studies, as well. A broader approach to this topic has been used to provide as much information as possible to not only inform and educate, but enable further analysis, discussion and action which the reader can tailor to their own respective interests, further research, goals, objectives and outcomes. It is not written to direct the reader on a specific path or to a specific end point. The objectives of this chapter are: provide a broad foundation of intelligence and its value to countering bioterrorism and bioproliferation; identify some critical challenges; describe how national security and law enforcement leverage each other and other organizations which have necessary expertise, resources, authorities and information; frame and illustrate intelligence gathering, analysis and use to counter bioterrorism or bioproliferation through examples and plausible scenarios; to stimulate thought, questions, discussion and engagement as one looks at one’s own national or collaborative multilateral programs; and, introduce possible “next steps”, which could include NATO assuming leadership to craft and guide follow-up engagements specifically on this topic.

If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle. Sun Tzu (Chinese General, 6th Century BCE), from The Art of War [1]