HSE 430 WK 5 Responses

Task 2: After you have created your new discussion topic, you are required to read and respond to a minimum of 2 of your classmates discussion topics.  Think of your responses in terms of a contribution to a dialogue, not a writing exercise or a chat room.  Elaborate a single idea and keep your post short but concise as if you were holding a conversation with your classmate(s).   Incorporate what you have learned from the weekly reading material and from your own real-world experiences.  Don’t forget to use proper APA citations and references whenever necessary.

Book: M. M. Lowenthal (2022). Intelligence: from Secrets to Policy 9th edition. CQ Press.

Ramada: Effective internal safeguards within intelligence agencies are paramount to prevent the leakage of sensitive information to adversaries. Background checks, stringent security clearances, and compartmentalization of classified data are key components of these safeguards. Counter-intelligence agents play a crucial role in this context, employing various strategies to guard against threats from leaks through espionage. Monitoring personnel, assessing their reliability, and investigating suspicious activities contribute to identifying and neutralizing potential risks. However, the delicate balance lies in maintaining a culture of trust and collaboration within the agency while ensuring robust security measures.

The concept of covert action adds another layer to intelligence operations, allowing agencies to undertake secret activities to protect national interests. While covert actions are a necessary tool in responding to emerging threats, they present challenges and ethical dilemmas. Issues such as accountability and transparency come to the forefront, as the clandestine nature of these operations can make oversight challenging. Additionally, the potential for unintended consequences or blowback poses a significant risk. Striking the right balance between safeguarding sensitive information and executing covert actions requires a nuanced approach, with careful consideration of the broader implications for national security and international relations. As intelligence agencies navigate these complexities, ongoing scrutiny and adaptation of internal safeguards are essential to address emerging threats and uphold democratic principles.

Department of Homeland Security. (2019). 
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR COUNTERING TERRORISM AND TARGETED VIOLENCE.
https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/19_0920_plcy_strategic-framework-countering-terrorism-targeted-violence.pdf

Potter, Z. (1996, December 13). 
Covert Action: the Delicate Balance. Irp.fas.org.
https://irp.fas.org/eprint/snyder/covertaction.htm

Juan:
Sensitive information falling into the hands of adversaries can have catastrophic results. Therefore, intelligence agencies have implemented many security measures to ensure the most qualified people are hired to handle sensitive information. These security measures require candidates to undergo extensive background checks, interviews of close relatives and in some agencies take a polygraph test. These measures can identify risky behavior and other issues that can be used by the enemy to blackmail workers to provide sensitive information. Counterintelligence agents report any changes in a person’s behavior, economic status and other personal issues that can potentially turn him/her into a spy. 

Lowenthal, Mark M. Intelligence. Available from: VitalSource Bookshelf, (9th Edition). SAGE Publications, Inc. (US), 2022.

RUBRIC BELOW

1. Discussion Forum

Discussion forum participation will be graded using the following criteria: