Strategic Studies Quarterly

Abstract This article tries to evaluate the idea of “intelligence as a scientific phenomenon and the possibility of scientific study in intelligence field”. Author has two hypothesis: first he argues for methodological similarity between intelligence and science, and then as a second hypothesis, tries to describe ontological similarities between scientific knowledge and intelligence knoweledge. Having explained these two complementary claims, author argues that without academic presence, the idea of intelligence as a scientific phenomenon would remain as a mere claim. So exposing intelligence for academic research agenda would shape its scientific nature.  

Abstract   Indigenous science production is a process based on indigenous problems. So identification of these problems is the firt step in this process. Beside this founding step, gathering appropriate and verified data, and hypothesizing by capable local elites, would provide the prerequisite for indigenous theorization. This article, after a short review on the concept of indigenous science production, argues that intelligence agencie could be a source of indigenous science through  identification of problems, gathering verified data, and spill over of their organizational knowledge to academic  community.

Abstract This article, after a brief review of causes of secrecy in state administrations, especially in intelligence agencies, tries to describe secrecy’s status in the identity of intelligence. Author, in response to the question of research, has two competing hypothesis. The main hypothesis argues that secrecy is an ontological characteristic of intelligence. In contrast, the second hypothesis describes secrecy an instrument of intelligence operations. After arguments for and against the hypoethses, author concludes that secrecy is indispensible part to intelligence and must be considefed as an ontological characteristic.

Abstract This article tries to evaluate some prediction modles of intelligence agencies on political instability, and explain their failure in predicting recent Middle East developments. Author, in his hypothesis, claims that quantitative prediction modles of intelligence agencies because of reliance on correlation rather than causation, and lack of adequate knowledge of their cases, has a limited capability for prediction. To evaluate his hypothesis, author describes quantitative modle’s prediction of Middle East developments and then compares it with his own qualitative model’s prediction.

Abstract Intelligence and security agencies has actual and potential role in promoting and using soft power resources. For instance, intelligence agencies in cooperation with other parts of state administration, trie to improve their country’s image or to degrade adversary’s image in international sphere. Author tries to describe intelligence role in strengthening soft power. The main hypothesis of article claims that intelligence agencies are tools of persuation and their intelligence products by convincing the public, can improve the soft power.  

Abstract Intelligence power is one of the important components in intelligence agencies which are dependent on different variables. This power is defined based on knowledge and control. Technology is one of the influential factors on intelligence power, which has both objective and normative effects in intelligence. Author claims that technology as an instrument has increased the knowledge production capabilities and has improved intelligence controls on national and international phenomenon.

Abstract This article tries to explain effects of cyber threats on national security. Authors claim that cyber threats has raised phenomenon of power dispersion which enables small states to exercise their authority , and enables new actors like corporations, organized groups and individuals, to participate in globalised power equations. So they argue that, cyber threat has influences on national security in aspects of: concept of security, state-centrism in security, geographical aspect of threats, diffusion of vulenerabilities, diversity of actors in security field and way of confronting threats.