Enemies of Intelligence

Richard K. Betts' Enemies of Intelligence explores the complexities of reforming the U.S. intelligence community, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to national security.

The events of September 11, 2001, and the flawed assessments regarding Saddam Hussein's weapons arsenal serve as stark reminders of the critical importance of accurate information in national security. In Enemies of Intelligence, Richard K. Betts examines how these failures led the American public to believe that the intelligence system was fundamentally broken. This perception prompted a significant reorganization of agencies and personnel, yet Betts argues that critics and politicians have often underestimated the complexities involved in achieving genuine reform.

Drawing on three decades of experience within the U.S. intelligence community, Betts sheds light on the paradoxes and challenges that hinder effective intelligence processes. Unlike the efforts made to bolster defenses against natural disasters, enhancing strategic assessment capabilities requires outsmarting adversaries who operate beyond U.S. borders. It also necessitates an introspective look at the organizational and political dynamics that shape information collection and its implications for policy.

In Enemies of Intelligence, Betts offers a blend of academic research and personal insights to propose strategies for improved intelligence gathering and assessment. He discusses the unintended consequences of fixing one issue, the dual nature of expertise, the risks associated with striving for absolute accuracy, and the delicate balance of secrecy in protecting civil liberties. Betts emphasizes the successes of the intelligence community, despite its failures, and advocates for a nuanced understanding of how knowledge and power can effectively address the intelligence challenges of the twenty-first century.