Paper Example on HUMINT: A Critical Force for National Security and Intelligence

Introduction

Human intelligence is also known as HUMINT refers to the human intellectual powers and skills marked by compound and high motivation levels of self-awareness and cognitive feats. It is very significant since it plays a vital role in different areas including the national security and other intelligence arenas. It is considered a dominant force regardless of the situation be it in cyber security or pronounced terrorist threats. Below is a literature review to identify if there is a need for human intelligence.

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Johnson, L., 2010. Evaluating "Humint": The role of foreign agents in U.S. security. Comparative Strategy, 29(4), pp.308-332.

Summary

Johnson's article argues that human intelligence is seen as the most potent type of defense in the United States security against any foreign threat into the country. Johnson relies on interviews with various archival research, interview with different policymakers and surveys data to determine the significant role of intelligence which is to seek information which will help in identifying the multiple threats both internally and externally. Intelligence also warns the leaders of any perceived threat to the country as well as the provision of essential data which can be used in enhancing the national security equation.

Key Arguments

Human intelligence includes gathering information in the traditional way through the reliance of undercover agents in the enemy's territory. This helps in identifying threats to the nation and getting opportunities on how to protect the country. For the espionage to be successful, it should try all means to access the distinct areas where secrets have been kept like in computer drives, private meetings, and hidden file cabinets as well as several encoded telephone communication. There are various information sources of human intelligence like walk-in, foreign liaisons, agent acquisition cycles, and even the James Bond style.

Strengths and Limitations

Strength: the article has proper scientific evidence shown by answering the purpose of the research. There are also distinct methods which have been used in research like the surveys, interviews and some information from archival research. The data is well presented with subtitles which make reading easier. Limitations: the article has focused mainly on the U.S intelligence agents to evaluate human intelligence instead of focusing n wide variety of nations.

Link to the Research Essay

The world is considered a very dangerous place since there are various issues like dangerous animosities between nations, competition for scarce resources like nuclear weapons, food, uranium, water as well as oil hence the need for self-protection which can be very successful when intelligence is used. Therefore, human intelligence is necessary.

Taylor, S.A., 2007. The role of intelligence in national security. Contemporary security studies, pp.248-269.

Summary

The primary purpose of the article is to look at the role which intelligence plays in national security. The vital relationship which exists between the intelligence and security is also identified. It is necessary for all states to use intelligence to ensure the protection of the country's security which is a fundamental issue. The country can use intelligence for various ways like in spying the enemies to help the country prepare in advance on how to protect itself from the enemy.

Key Arguments

Human intelligence was the earliest method of intelligence. Intelligence is crucial since it has been used for long by generals and rulers to spy on the enemy. The collection and analysis of data by intelligence are very pervasive, and each state can do use it at any time. Also, the various methods used by intelligence services in collecting information have evolved since ancient times up to date.

Strengths and Limitations

Strength: the chapter of the article has answered and fulfilled its purpose of the research by summarizing the role of intelligence in national security through examining the relationship between intelligence and security simply and transparently. Limitation: there is no specific methodology used in the study; only theoretical frameworks have been used to answer the purpose of the study.

Link to the Research Essay

There is a significant relationship between security and intelligence. Intelligence has been used by various states and officials including prominent generals and rulers to help them in spying at the enemy's to prepare on how to protect themselves. Human intelligence is, therefore, necessary since it helps in enhancing national security.

Hulnick, A.S., 2006. What's wrong with the Intelligence Cycle. Intelligence and National Security, 21(6), pp.959-979.

Summary

This article looks at the intelligence cycle as well as the several problems associated with it. Despite the various advantages related to the intelligence cycle, Hulnick can find out some of its flaws, and according to him, there is no need for intelligence. The article identifies the problems of intelligence cycle by identifying the issues associated with the various methods and steps of its operation. For instance, the second step which is collection; the author argues that the step is wrong since the intelligence manager's lack sophisticated software's which can aid in data collection.

Key Arguments

The intelligence cycle is wrong because; there is a lack of proper description of how the intelligence cycle works. The collection guidance given by the policy officials is not always adequate, and the collection and analysis which is required to operate in tandem usually work best in parallel. Also, they believe that the delivery intelligence should always be made before the decision makers make any specific policy decision is considered incorrect. The intelligence officials seem only to prefer that the intelligence supports the policy instead of informing them and lastly, the intelligence cycle does not take into consideration the covert action and the counterintelligence.

Strengths and Limitations

Strength: the article has answered the research question coherently by identifying the various reasons why the intelligence cycle is wrong. Limitation: the research methodology used to conclude the article has not been clearly defined.

Link to the Research Essay

Human intelligence is not necessary because the intelligence cycle has various limitations associated with it like; its method of operation is wrong since there is no proper way of data collection due to lack of appropriate software's which can quickly and effectively collect the necessary data. Additionally, the collection guidance given by the policy officials is not always adequate, and the collection and analysis which is required to operate in tandem usually work best in parallel.

Conclusion

Human intelligence is a vital element in the world today. It is necessary since it aids in various matters with regards to the security of the nation like collecting and analyzing essential information which supports law enforcement. It is also used in decision making in multiple areas like in the national security, foreign policy objectives, and the military, hence the need for human intelligence.

References

Hulnick, A.S., 2006. What's wrong with the Intelligence Cycle. Intelligence and National Security, 21(6), pp.959-979.

Johnson, L., 2010. Evaluating "Humint": The role of foreign agents in US security. Comparative Strategy, 29(4), pp.308-332.

Taylor, S.A., 2007. The role of intelligence in national security. Contemporary security studies, pp.248-269.