Intelligence and Surprise Attack

Failure and Success from Pearl Harbor to 9/11 and Beyond

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, International, International Security
Cover of the book Intelligence and Surprise Attack by Erik J. Dahl, Georgetown University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Erik J. Dahl ISBN: 9781589016804
Publisher: Georgetown University Press Publication: July 19, 2013
Imprint: Georgetown University Press Language: English
Author: Erik J. Dahl
ISBN: 9781589016804
Publisher: Georgetown University Press
Publication: July 19, 2013
Imprint: Georgetown University Press
Language: English

How can the United States avoid a future surprise attack on the scale of 9/11 or Pearl Harbor, in an era when such devastating attacks can come not only from nation states, but also from terrorist groups or cyber enemies?

Intelligence and Surprise Attack examines why surprise attacks often succeed even though, in most cases, warnings had been available beforehand. Erik J. Dahl challenges the conventional wisdom about intelligence failure, which holds that attacks succeed because important warnings get lost amid noise or because intelligence officials lack the imagination and collaboration to “connect the dots” of available information. Comparing cases of intelligence failure with intelligence success, Dahl finds that the key to success is not more imagination or better analysis, but better acquisition of precise, tactical-level intelligence combined with the presence of decision makers who are willing to listen to and act on the warnings they receive from their intelligence staff.

The book offers a new understanding of classic cases of conventional and terrorist attacks such as Pearl Harbor, the Battle of Midway, and the bombings of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. The book also presents a comprehensive analysis of the intelligence picture before the 9/11 attacks, making use of new information available since the publication of the 9/11 Commission Report and challenging some of that report’s findings.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

How can the United States avoid a future surprise attack on the scale of 9/11 or Pearl Harbor, in an era when such devastating attacks can come not only from nation states, but also from terrorist groups or cyber enemies?

Intelligence and Surprise Attack examines why surprise attacks often succeed even though, in most cases, warnings had been available beforehand. Erik J. Dahl challenges the conventional wisdom about intelligence failure, which holds that attacks succeed because important warnings get lost amid noise or because intelligence officials lack the imagination and collaboration to “connect the dots” of available information. Comparing cases of intelligence failure with intelligence success, Dahl finds that the key to success is not more imagination or better analysis, but better acquisition of precise, tactical-level intelligence combined with the presence of decision makers who are willing to listen to and act on the warnings they receive from their intelligence staff.

The book offers a new understanding of classic cases of conventional and terrorist attacks such as Pearl Harbor, the Battle of Midway, and the bombings of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. The book also presents a comprehensive analysis of the intelligence picture before the 9/11 attacks, making use of new information available since the publication of the 9/11 Commission Report and challenging some of that report’s findings.

More books from Georgetown University Press

Cover of the book El español y la lingüística aplicada by Erik J. Dahl
Cover of the book Transplantation Ethics by Erik J. Dahl
Cover of the book Grounding Human Rights in a Pluralist World by Erik J. Dahl
Cover of the book Health Care Ethics by Erik J. Dahl
Cover of the book Place Me With Your Son by Erik J. Dahl
Cover of the book Christianity in Evolution by Erik J. Dahl
Cover of the book The Ethics of War and Peace Revisited by Erik J. Dahl
Cover of the book The Image of the Enemy by Erik J. Dahl
Cover of the book Russia Abroad by Erik J. Dahl
Cover of the book Israel under Siege by Erik J. Dahl
Cover of the book Handbook of Roman Catholic Moral Terms by Erik J. Dahl
Cover of the book Participatory Budgeting and Civic Tech by Erik J. Dahl
Cover of the book Law's Virtues by Erik J. Dahl
Cover of the book Public Values and Public Interest by Erik J. Dahl
Cover of the book Islamic Radicalism and Global Jihad by Erik J. Dahl
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy