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Author Biography

Beth Eisenfeld is a senior manager, researcher, and analyst for a global consulting company where she leads research for her group, conducts competitive and market intelligence research, analysis, and after-action reports for company leaders using multi-source data collection techniques, and quantitative and qualitative research methods to develop intelligence products, and reports. Ms. Eisenfeld is also an Adjunct Instructor at Henley-Putnam University where she teaches Strategic Security courses and is an academic peer mentor and Program Advisor for students in the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs ensuring student success. She also serves on the Doctorate of Strategic Security Program Advisory Board. Eisenfeld earned a Doctorate in Strategic Security from Henley-Putnam University, a Master’s degree from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. She holds a Certificate in Computer Science from DePaul University and a Graduate Certificate in Intelligence Analysis from American Military University.

DOI

http://doi.org/10.5038/1944-0472.10.2.1583

Subject Area Keywords

Intelligence analysis, Intelligence studies/education

Abstract

The relationship between policy-making and strategic intelligence is a source of ongoing discourse. Although there is an abundance of literature about the relationship between consumers and producers of intelligence, consensus as to the relationship between policy makers and intelligence producers is lacking. The two concepts–proximity and politicization–represent the intelligence dilemma that leads to claims of politicization, a word with many interpretations. Most observers of the democratic policy-making process are familiar with the traditional potential sources of politicization yet those sources are not the only potential sources of politicization and there is a paucity of literature about external influences and the politicization of intelligence. In democracies, governed by the people through their elected representatives, many individuals and groups interact with policymakers to influence decisions. This article provides a framework for understanding sources of politicization external to the intelligence community. It identifies an outside-in influence and uses three examples to show how this type of stimulus contributes to the politicization of intelligence.

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