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Why Intelligence Fails

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Description

Why Intelligence FailsThe U. S. government spends enormous resources each year on the gathering and analysis of intelligence, yet the history of American foreign policy is littered with missteps and misunderstandings that have resulted from intelligence failures. In Why Intelligence Fails, Robert Jervis examines the politics and psychology of two of the more spectacular intelligence failures in recent memory: the mistaken belief that the regime of the Shah in Iran was

The U.S. government spends enormous resources each year on the gathering and analysis of intelligence, yet the history of American foreign policy is littered with missteps and misunderstandings that have resulted from intelligence failures. In Why Intelligence Fails, Robert Jervis examines the politics and psychology of two of the more spectacular intelligence failures in recent memory: the mistaken belief that the regime of the Shah in Iran was secure and stable in 1978, and the claim that Iraq had active WMD programs in 2002.

The Iran case is based on a recently declassified report Jervis was commissioned to undertake by CIA thirty years ago and includes memoranda written by CIA officials in response to Jervis's findings. The Iraq case, also grounded in a review of the intelligence community's performance, is based on close readings of both classified and declassified documents, though Jervis's conclusions are entirely supported by evidence that has been declassified.

In both cases, Jervis finds not only that intelligence was badly flawed but also that later explanations--analysts were bowing to political pressure and telling the White House what it wanted to hear or were willfully blind--were also incorrect. Proponents of these explanations claimed that initial errors were compounded by groupthink, lack of coordination within the government, and failure to share information. Policy prescriptions, including the recent establishment of a Director of National Intelligence, were supposed to remedy the situation.

In Jervis's estimation, neither the explanations nor the prescriptions are adequate. The inferences that intelligence drew were actually quite plausible given the information available. Errors arose, he concludes, from insufficient attention to the ways in which information should be gathered and interpreted, a lack of self-awareness about the factors that led to the judgments, and an organizational culture that failed to probe for weaknesses and explore alternatives. Evaluating the inherent tensions between the methods and aims of intelligence personnel and policymakers from a unique insider's perspective, Jervis forcefully criticizes recent proposals for improving the performance of the intelligence community and discusses ways in which future analysis can be improved.



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Published: 12/22/2011
ISBN: 9780801478062
Pages: 238
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.10w x 0.70d
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SKU: 55036512304

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BevinLorenzo
Chelsea, US
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Matches Balolo perfectly
Style: desk drawer with pen holder
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Birmingham, US
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Stylish and Solid, but Mostly Paying for the Aesthetic
Style: desk drawer with pen holder
Product: Upergo Walnut Desk Tray and Pen Holder Used for: 7 months Key Features: – Attractive walnut wood design – Solid construction with a premium feel – Helps organize pens and desk accessories neatly Ratings: Quality: The quality feels very solid overall. The wood and finish look great, and it has held up well over months of use without any noticeable wear or issues. Rating: 5/5 Performance: It does exactly what it’s supposed to do. It keeps the desk organized, holds pens and small items well, and adds a clean, professional look to the setup. Rating: 5/5 Value: Honestly, it’s pretty pricey for what it is. A lot of the cost feels like it’s going toward the aesthetics and walnut finish rather than functionality. Rating: 3/5 Pros: – Looks very clean and premium – Solid and sturdy build – Great for desk organization – Adds a nice aesthetic touch to a setup Cons: – Expensive for a fairly simple product Summary: The Upergo Walnut Desk Tray and Pen Holder is a well-made and attractive desk accessory that does a great job organizing small items while making a setup look more polished. The build quality is solid and the walnut finish looks great, but the price is definitely on the high side for what is ultimately a simple organizer. If aesthetics matter to you, it’s a nice addition, but you’re definitely paying extra for the look. Overall Rating: 4/5** Disclaimer: This review is based on my personal experience using the product. I’m not an expert—just sharing my honest thoughts to help others make an informed decision.
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James
Massapequa, US
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Alexandria, US
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shannon l batiste
Carnegie, US
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Nice desk accessories
Style: desk drawer with pen holder
Nice accessories for a desk. The wood color is slightly darker than the picture, however stills work on the walnut desk.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2025

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