Author(s): Mădălina-Elena LUPU
Publication name: Romanian Intelligence Studies Review
Publisher name: Mihai Viteazul National Intelligence Academy
Publication type: Journal article
Publication date: December 31, 2021
Pagination:
Issue/ Volume: 26/2021
DOI:
Abstract:
This article focuses on the cooperation between intelligence officials and
decision-makers in the briefing process, by juxtaposing theory with practice. It aims to
analyse the process of cooperation from a dual perspective, in order to identify the
advantages and disadvantages of briefing, to identify the factors that influence the
process and, in the end, to offer suggestions for cooperation improvement.
Communication in this area is essential not only for the two actors and the organizations
they represent, but for citizens and for national security as well.
The paper begins by distinguishing between information and intelligence, with
the relationship between intelligence officials and decision-makers through the briefing
process, in order to highlight the necessity and importance of cooperation and to
establish at the same time a theoretical basis. It continues with the advantages and
disadvantages of briefing and of direct cooperation instead of sending the message
without messenger, with the factors that prove to influence cooperation in practice. Last
but not least, the article puts forward a series of suggestions for the improvement of
cooperation.
Ultimately, intelligence efficiency depends on both the decision and decision-
makers. Direct and indirect cooperation is influenced in practice by objective and
subjective factors, by the harmonization of the two different groups, by the availability of
decision makers, by an intelligence and political culture, by a cooperation based on
mutual trust, by paying attention to the intelligence provided, as well as to the
messenger, and by reducing the all-knowing perception of decision-makers.
Keywords: intelligence, decision-makers, cooperation, national security,
briefing, intelligence product.
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