ABSTRACT
The relationship between intelligence and policy has its ups and downs. Sometimes the relationship is a good one; communication flows and both sides benefit from the interaction. The optimal outcome entails the use of accurate intelligence analysis to improve decision-making. The reigning conceptual model of the role that intelligence organizations should play vis-a-vis policy is as neutral objective expert advisors providing information and assessment about the international environment or other actors without engaging in the creation or implementation of policy. Glenn Hastedt sets the stage by re-conceptualizing politicization based on the setting in which it takes place. Hastedt’s approach to politicization is not normative; he does not view it as good or bad. Joshua Rovner examines and ultimately takes issue with the notion that politicization in some cases can be good or have beneficial effects.
