Cases in Intelligence Analysis: Structured Analytic Techniques in Action

by Sarah Miller Beebe, Randolph H. Pherson

Accomplished instructors and intelligence practitioners Beebe and Pherson have created a set of twelve robust, class-tested cases on events in foreign intelligence, counterintelligence, terrorism, homeland security, law enforcement, and decision-making support. The case studies are designed to give analysts-in-training a hands-on opportunity to apply structured analytic techniques to tackle real-life problems. Each case delivers a compelling narrative and a set of step-by-step instructions that make teaching and learning as effective and efficient as possible.
Key Praise for  Cases in Intelligence  Structured Analytic Techniques in

"Cases in Intelligence Analysis takes an innovative approach to intelligence analysis that helps the reader to develop a more thorough and disciplined analytic process. The authors contend that the use of compelling and historically accurate cases, coupled with an impressive toolkit of analytic techniques, can help us all to move beyond flawed analyses. I think they are right."
--Charles S. Robb,  Co-Chairman of The Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the United States  Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction


"This work confronts head-on the problem of cognitive traps that history has shown to be the fundamental factor in most intelligence failures. After reviewing this presentation of methods and case examples, professional practitioners can sharpen their skills by testing the methods on their own problems--those they have experienced in the past and those they are confronting at present."
--Douglas MacEachin,   Former CIA/Deputy Director of Intelligence

"Structured analytic techniques are increasingly being adopted by government intelligence analysts, but they are just as useful to the private sector. The value of this fascinating case study book is that it provides the growing array of users with practical advice on how best to apply the techniques to the challenges they deal with every day."
--Gordon S. Barrass,  Former Chief of the Assessment Staff, Cabinet Office, London Visiting Professor,  London School of Economics

Genres: Nonfiction, School

241 pages, Paperback

First published October 11, 2011

Reviews

[Mark Lowenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are going to buy only 1 book on analytic techniques and tools, THIS is the book to buy. It is well-written, exceptionally well organized and presented, and extremely useful both for teaching and for doing analysis. In a greatly over-crowded and over-hyped field, this is the stand out book. Mark Lowenthal, author of Intelligence: From Secrets to Policy

[Jason Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book paired with Structured Analytic Techniques for Intelligence Analysis provides a great overview of analytic techniques, when to use them, and examples of how they can be used in specific case studies. I highly recommend both these books for the study of analytical thinking.

[Mourine Marango · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great guide especially when used together with Structured Analytic Techniques for Intelligence Analysis. The various case studies in this book are a great start point for understanding how the different techniques can be put to use.

[Carter F Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book for teaching hands on application for Intel analysts and those who work with them. I used this book exclusively to prepare a capstone Intel undergrad course.

[Bailey H · Rating 5 out of 5]

great methods of analysis for intelligence

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information on the techniques, but it drove me insane that it left the cases without an ending even when the cases have been solved.

[Narcis · Rating 5 out of 5]

quite a fine book: highly recommended...!

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a class read so that’s why it’s a 3. But very informative