Discussion Covert Action and Intelligence2

Read/review the following resources for this activity:

• Textbook: Chapters 11, 12
• Lecture 
• Link (PDF): Report to Congress on Foreign Economic Collection and Espionage
• Link (PDF): The role of private corporations in the intelligence community
• Link (video): Challenges for Clandestine Intelligence Collection in Support of U.S. Middle East Policy (please take notes while watching this video) 

Introduction
The World is increasingly interdependent, connected through economics and business relationships that frequently and easily cross borders.  

Initial Post
Which, in your opinion, is more difficult: Intelligence gathering about a nation or of a group, such as a terrorist organization? How different does using cybersecurity efforts change the gathering of intelligence? 

Secondary Posts
Read postings provided by your instructor or fellow students. Read and respond to the conclusions drawn by your classmates. Remember to read the feedback to your own major postings and reply throughout the week. 

Writing Requirements

• In addition to one initial post, respond to at least two peers.
• Initial Post Length: minimum of 250 words
• Secondary Post Length: minimum of 200 words per post
• Using APA format, provide at least one citation with corresponding references page and use appropriate in-text citation(s) referring to the academic concept for the initial post. 

Grading and Assessment
Meeting the minimum number of posting does not guarantee an A; you must present an in-depth discussion of high quality, integrate sources to support your assertions, and refer to peers’ comments in your secondary posts to build on concepts. 

This activity will be graded using the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric.

Learning Outcome(s): 1, 4
1.   Assess the theoretical effectiveness of intelligence and covert action with regard to analyzing governmental structure and national security policy.
4.   List the different kinds of intelligence and examine how it is gathered.