Intelligence analysis in a changing world, an introduction

Abstract

In this introductory article, the topic of intelligence analysis is explored. Starting from an interview with a former intelligence analyst in the Netherlands, it will be observed how the trade of intelligence analysis has changed over the years. From a practically non-existent professional environment the trade has grown to become far more important, in terms of the position and training of intelligence analysts. From there, questions are posed about the development of intelligence analysis worldwide in the past, present, and future. In the final part of this article, an overview of the contributions in this special issue is presented.