What is Intelligence?
The simplest and clearest definition is: information plus analysis equals intelligence. It clarifies the distinction between collected information and produced intelligence, namely:
Without analysis, there is no intelligence. Intelligence is not what is collected; it is what is produced after collected data and information is evaluated and analysed.
What Should Intelligence Do?
Missions for intelligence are listed below:
Þ Identify points of opportunity for intervention that might change the state of affairs in some way, especially before a conflict (in fact, if a military solution ensues, that often indicates an intelligence failure).
Þ Help states attain a comparative advantage in decision-making, thus the term actionable intelligence.
Þ Protect the state and its citizens to maximize security.
Þ Optimize resources.
Þ Integrate information to enhance understanding.
The goals of intelligence are heavily dependent on the foreign policy objectives of a country, which vary from the broad commitments of the United States to the narrow focus of New Zealand.
