Overview

This book sets out a new analytic methodology: analysis by contrasting narratives (ACN), which states that defining an enemy and attempting to counter threats can contribute to the manifestation of that threat. Peter de Werd applies ACN to the problem the US faced in understanding and responding to the phenomenon of Al Qaeda in the 1990s. He demonstrates how this approach can fill a gap in intelligence studies by enhancing the understanding of complex intelligence problems and strengthening the practice of intelligence analysis. Adopting a reflexivist theoretical stance, the book underlines the importance of an integrated approach to interpretation and action, and of a continuous dialogue between intelligence and policy.

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9781474478076

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Reviews

This highly ambitious and deeply impressive book sets out a new analytic methodology. It links debates in Security Studies and Intelligence Studies and represents a major statement (indeed, one of the major statements to date) in the development of a Critical Intelligence Studies, understood as a comparable approach to intelligence as those of Critical Security Studies and Critical Terrorism Studies in their respective fields. In its careful exposition of the ACN methodology via the al Qaeda case studies and in its reflection on the professional and academic relevance and utility of this approach, US Intelligence and Al Qaeda represents a significant contribution to the Intelligence Studies literature.--Mark Phythian, University of Leicester

Author Information

Peter de Werd, Assistant Professor of Intelligence and Security, Netherlands Defence Academy in Breda.

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