Sociocultural Intelligence: A New Discipline in Intelligence Studies

by Kerry Patton

Overview

The book offers an in-depth analysis and conceptualization of a much needed intelligence discipline, Sociocultural intelligence (SOCINT). SOCINT means observing and analyzing such elements as the land, the people, and their communities. Customs, moral attitudes, and culture of foreign populations are integrated into the analysis of the information gathered to maximize the efficiency of security initiatives. A key tool in intelligence and covert operations, SOCINT can mostly be used for non-lethal operations that require a thorough understanding of networks and systems. Simply, by understanding the behavioral aspects of relationships and systems, we will have a greater opportunity for 'success' by knowing who, what, where, when, why, and how to influence within the systems themselves. Not only a tool for war fighting, SOCINT is needed for multiple uses, such as law enforcement operations and business. Written by an international expert, this unique book combines theoretical analysis with practical application to present and advocate for the systematic use of SOCINT to students and practitioners in intelligence studies, intelligence communities, and national security.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781441128485
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	07/15/2010
Series:	Continuum Intelligence Studies
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Kerry E. Patton is an internationally recognized security, terrorism, and intelligence expert. He has served in the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security within multiple capacities, from human intelligence to dignitary protection of Afghan President Karzai. He has published Terrorism, Intelligence, and National Security and several articles. He teaches terrorism and intelligence at Henley Putnam University.

Table of Contents

AcknowledgementsForewordPrefaceList of AcronymsPART I. THEORIES OF SOCIOCULTURAL INTELLIGENCE1. Understanding Guerilla Warfare for Incorporation of Sociocultural Intelligence Identification of Sociocultural Intelligence (SOCINT)The Uniqueness of SOCINTThe Incorporation of SOCINTThe Historical Implementation of SOCINTThe Needs for SOCINT Today2. Current Research on Sociocultural IntelligenceCounterinsurgency: The People's WarsReliance on Technical Intelligence:Analysts in Today's Intelligence System The Guillotine of PerceptionTools to ObserveSelling the ConceptChanges in the ICInternal OverreactionExternal Overreaction3. Professional Practice in Socio Cultural IntelligenceUnderstanding How We View Ourselves: The Exercise4. Case Study: AfghanistanThe PeopleMohammed's ShopMahmoodTravels Through HellPaying for CrimeJailed by the TalibanA Taste of FreedomThe Afghan WeddingTaking on New ResponsibilitiesLearning through ListeningPART II. ETHICS IN SOCIOCULTURAL INTELLIGENCE5. Understanding Ethics within Sociocultural IntelligenceThe Ethical Realities of Understanding Ourselves InternallyThe Ethical Realities of Understanding Ourselves ExternallyThe Ethical Realities of Understanding OthersEthical Realities to Understanding How Others View Us: The Why of Afghanistan6. Current Research in Understanding Ethics within Sociocultural IntelligenceThe Ethical Intelligence Reality Check The Art of Ethical CollectionThe Ethical Tasks of the Sociocultural Intelligence OperativeLeadership Roles in the Ethical Elements of SOCINTPART III. CRITICAL THINKING AND SOCIOCULTURAL INTELLIGENCE7. The Needs for Critical Thinking within Sociocultural IntelligenceCritical Thinking versus AnalysisTechnology DependencyFilling the Gaps of Critical ThoughtThe Critical Thought ProcessTime and ThoughtGood Will Hunting Syndrome Cause and Effect Incorporation of Critical Thought in SOCINT8. Current Research in Critical Thinking and Analysis with Sociocultural IntelligenceSociocultural Intelligence SignsThe Systematic Approach to UnderstandingCurrent Issues with Critical Thinking within the IC Additional Tools for Critical Thinking and Sociocultural Intelligence The Joint Environment and its Hindrance on Critical ThoughtPART IV. INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS FOR SOCIOCULTURAL INTELLIGENCE 9. Intelligence Analysis for Sociocultural IntelligenceLinking Everything to SomethingPicturing the LinkNetting the Sociocultural Elements10. Current Research for Analysis with Sociocultural IntelligenceThe Sociocultural Intelligence AnalystGrabbing the IndicatorsThe Differences of AnalysisUsing Pre-existing MethodologiesIt's Only History, Not AnalysisEducate Analysts for SuccessInitiative, Understanding, and A Little Thought11. ConclusionChange in CultureThe Political Movements WithinBibliography

Editorial Reviews

"Kerry Patton has a passion for improving the security of our country, and for improving how we carry out a vital mission in the Global War on Terror. Patton has had his boots on the ground, squatted in the dust, ate goat with his hands, and imbibed the culture of our allies and enemies. He does a valuable service in opening the discussion of applying anthropology (the study of culture) to our greater National Security needs. This work should be just the first salvo in the battle to confirm the justness of Kerry's approach. We cannot allow misguided academics to take away a valuable tool in our efforts to do the right thing." Kent Clizbe, Cross-cultural Humint Expert, Educator, and Commentator

"Kerry Patton provides an in-depth, much needed, and fully analyzed proposal for a newly instituted intelligence discipline known as SOCINT. After operating and living with local Afghans, his supporting evidence matches that which Major General Michael Flynn recently described in his works Fixing Intel: A Blueprint for Making Intelligence Relevant in Afghanistan. With billions of dollars expended and lives of America's finest continuously endangered, there is no better time to incorporate a "Sociocultural Intelligence" discipline in defeating asymmetrical threats. MUST READ!" Thomas G. McInerney, Lt. Gen. USAF (Ret)

"Patton puts forward an interesting proposal that can improve multidimensional intelligence analysis by focusing on those "hidden" social and cultural aspects we currently ignore. It is clear we need a new type of intelligence officer and decision-maker that appreciate the value of these intangibles and then commit themselves on collecting, analyzing and acting upon them in our quest for understanding, and solving the world's problems." Dalene Duvenage, CEO, 4Knowledge Analysis Solutions, South Africa.

Author Kerry Patton was interviewed by Jamie Colby on Fox News Live on 5 July discussing the just-released 2011 National Counterterrorism Strategy.

From the Publisher