Intelligence Studies

Intelligence Studies, 2017-2018

Since WWII and the Cold War, intelligence agencies play an important role in policymaking and policy decisions, particularly with regards to a state’s internal security. The attacks of September 11 put an even more stringent spotlight on the intelligence and security agencies. The level of public scrutiny of such agencies usually varies and depends highly on political traditions within a state. An organization like the KGB was established against a very different background than it was the case for e.g. the CIA, FBI or the Dutch BVD. Therefore structure, procedures and working methods vary greatly. And also the different adversaries call for different approaches.

What will you learn?

In this minor program, attention is being paid to the structure, working methods and the qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques used by intelligence and security agencies that operated particularly during the last half of the 20th century and the present day. Furthermore, the program offers the choice to a specific focus on cyber intelligence, the services of the superpowers during the Cold War, quantitative analysis techniques used in intelligence, intelligence failures, and the position and powers od intelligence services in the democratic legal order.
The minor offers classes from guest lecturers, who either worked or still work in the field of intelligence. Their expertise as (former) employees of the Dutch secret services, scientific researchers, business experts or as other intelligence professionals provides students with a lot of practice examples.

Learning objectives

This minor is called ‘Intelligence Studies’ and has the following learning objectives:
*to gain insight in the functioning, processes and proceedings of intelligence and security agencies. The courses of the minor aim to offer a thorough look at both the internal processes as well at the external processes taking place at intelligence agencies. The program takes into account that these processes occur within a political system and within the realm of international relations;
*to learn and apply the skills and craft of intelligence studies, with emphasis on analytical skill training;
*to learn how to think interdisciplinary and how to apply qualitative and quantitative skills and methods;
*to gain knowledge directed at specific elements of the intelligence discipline. The minor program offers courses such as qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques, the history of the intelligence organizations of the United States and the Soviet Union, intelligence failures, the relationship between the services and the government and Cyber security.

Target audience

This English minor programme aims at student who have a keen interest in the work of intelligence services, the ethical perspective in which the services operate, the methods of operation, global affairs, international relations and international security. Any foreknowledge of the issues discussed in the minor is not necessary, but students are expected to have affinity with security issues.
The minor is open for all University students, but preference is given to students from Leiden University, TU Delft, and Erasmus University Rotterdam.

Contact

If you have any questions, please send an e-mail to intelligencestudies@fgga.leidenuniv.nl or Mr.drs. W.J.M. Aerdts

Location

The minor courses will take place in the Hague. The schedule provides additional information.

Schedule

Schedule Minor Intelligence Studies 2017
All schedules are subject to change.