ABSTRACT
Several experts and commissions have concluded that most intelligence failures result from faulty analysis, not a lack of information. To that end, in the last several years, the Intelligence Community (IC) has invested considerable effort in selecting, training, and leading analysts to maximize insightful and unbiased analysis. Today’s analytical function is predicated upon the twin “Cs”: Critical thinking and collaboration. This chapter describes the many strategies the IC is currently pursuing to achieve these goals. Perhaps the most innovative has been the introduction of Structured Analytical Techniques (SATs), which provide standardized methods for analysts to follow when tackling difficult questions. Several of these SATs are discussed herein. Analysis rarely determines "the" answer to a problem—nevertheless, it provides a significant benefit to policymakers if it reduces their uncertainty when making difficult decisions in a complex world.
