Bibliograph

Preventing surprise attacks, intelligence reform in the wake of 9/11, Richard A. Posner

Type

Label

Preventing surprise attacks, intelligence reform in the wake of 9/11, Richard A. Posner

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references and index

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

Preventing surprise attacks

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

57652397

Responsibility statement

Richard A. Posner

Sub title

intelligence reform in the wake of 9/11

Summary

The commission to investigate the September 11 terrorist attacks recommended a dramatic overhaul of the nation's intelligence system. Congress responded hastily. Posner argues that the 9/11 Commission's analysis, on which Congress relied, was superficial and its proposals unsound. The commission exaggerated the benefits of centralizing control over intelligence; neglected the relevant scholarship and the experience of foreign nations, some of which have a longer history of fighting terrorism than the United States; and as a result ignored the psychological, economic, historical, sociological, and comparative dimensions of intelligence reform. Posner explains, however, that a ray of hope remains: the reorganization provisions of the new Act are so vague that the actual shape of the reorganized system will depend critically on decisions made by the President in implementing the Act; he suggests directions for real reform.--From publisher description

Table Of Contents

Introduction -- The commission's organizational recommendations -- The congressional response -- The history and anatomy of successful surprise attacks -- The principles of intelligence -- The principles of organization -- Lessons from the organization of intelligence in other countries -- Conclusion: What is to be done?

Classification