Intelligence and Strategic Analysis

Objectives

This Curricular Unit aims to provide students with a systemic understanding of Intelligence in a rule of law environment. The rules and legal principles that govern its activity will also be addressed, defining the powers of the respective services and establishing the limits of its action in relation to citizens' rights and the performance of other security forces and services.

It is intended that students consider the importance of an Intelligence culture in the decision-making process. They will also be trained in understanding the causes and consequences of major issues that generate insecurity. The transversality of the theme will make the motto of the classes a broader and more densified concept of Security.

Based on practical examples, theoretical and conceptual tools will be provided that will enable students with a concise yet profound view of intelligence as a strategic factor in mitigating the various security threats.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

(Theoretical and conceptual)

LO1: Introduce students to the contemporary debate on how the conceptual problems of Security Studies have been addressed. Consider the densification and multidimensionality of the concept of Security in a Rule of Law.

LO2:  Understand the notions of threat, risk and vulnerability in the light of a broad and densified concept of Security. Consider prospective analysis as a strategic factor in the decision-making process.

LO3: Understand what the Intelligence Studies are, the various types of Intelligence and the so-called Intelligencecycle, including an overview of the planning, collection, treatment, analysis, production and dissemination phases of information.

LO4: Consider the various Intelligence communities and the Intelligence system of the Portuguese Republic. Understand the role of intelligence in business decision.

LO5: Analyse the ethical, moral and legal dimension and control of the Intelligence activity

(Personal development)

LO6: Define abstract concepts and apply them with consistency and rigor, giving meaning to the complexity of issues involving the culture of Intelligence.

LO7: Justify your own positions with arguments based on factual issues, on topics related to issues of intelligence and security.

LO8: Familiarize students with the resources available for further research on Intelligence Studies.

OA9: Enable students to propose, analyse, debate and discuss solutions to problems related to Intelligence and Security.