Are intelligence failures more likely to occur as a result of problems with the collection, analysis, or management of intelligence

ANALYTICAL ESSAY
YOUR NAME
NAME OF CLASS
PROFESSOR’S NAME
SCHOOL’S NAME
CITY AND STATE
DATE
Intelligence failure is inevitable, especially during world wars. This term generally refers to a misinterpretation of a given situation which resulted in counterproductive and inappropriate actions done by the military forces as ordered by the government. Almost all human plans and actions are prone to errors as no one is perfect to conduct them smoothly. Such human endeavors include intelligence in which its failures were depicted during different times of world wars. Many efforts were done to predict and read the next moves and attacks of the enemies during such times. However, it is expected that these efforts will somehow fail at some point (Rezk, 2017). Enemies were either overly estimated or underestimated that led to situations to go unforeseen, despite its predictions. As a team effort, there are various explanations about why intelligence work fails. One prominent factor contributing to intelligence failure is the result of poor collection and analysis of such information. This statement will be supported throughout the paper through the discussions of three notable events depicting intelligence failures such as the attack in Pearl Harbour, the Societ Threat, and the Surprise of October 1973.
Analysis of historical events that resulted in intelligence failure is crucial. However, it is also as important to reflect on the issue of the intelligence failure in general. In various historical events, commonalities have been observed which attributes to tendencies of intelligence failing. These failures are commonly caused by underestimation, overestimation, over-confidence, inadequate communication, intelligence subordination to existing policies, inaccessible information, assertions and opinions, complacency, mirror-imaging, and failing to connect the dots (Dahl, 2013). Among these general causes, overestimating the enemy is the most common reason why intelligence work fails. Another reason is underestimation which typically occurs when warnings are not taken seriously or intentions of the enemies are being misinterpreted. This is often a result of not trusting and listening to foreign intelligence services as well as the lower-ranking officials (Kipnis, 2013). Over-confidence is depicted when one party is confident enough regarding its capabilities and not taking into consideration other factors that might lead to unforeseen situations. The lack of communication is often illustrated in scenario wherein various agencies delegate different officials along with different rules. Communication is not centralized which often leads to failure of the structure in the organization. Intelligence subordination to policy refers to an event where actions are taken according to the desires of the superiors despite the judgments made according to the result of the intelligence (Kahn, 1991). Another reason is the inaccessibility of information. Sensitive information is often restricted as a result of jealousy in some bureaucracies. Complacency contributes to failure when no actions are done despite having crucial information due to the belief that the enemy will not take any actions yet. Mirror-imaging connotes to attri...