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Question: Why is the notion of a ‘distinguishing characteristic’ so important to Robertson’s analysis, and how convincing is his resulting argument compared to other, alternative definitions of intelligence?

07 Nov 2022,4:04 PM

 

Although the gathering of information from open sources is a vital and significant part of all intelligence activity, it does not form the distinguishing characteristic of such activity. Rather, its unique element is secrecy — the secret collection of someone else's secrets.’ K.G. Robertson 1987 Why is the notion of a ‘distinguishing characteristic’ so important to Robertson’s analysis, and how convincing is his resulting argument compared to other, alternative definitions of intelligence?

Expert answer

 

In his 1987 book "Intelligence: A History," K.G. Robertson defines the unique element of intelligence activity as secrecy. According to Robertson, secrecy is what distinguishes intelligence activity from other forms of information gathering. This is an important distinction to make, as it highlights the fact that intelligence activity is not simply about collecting information, but about collecting secrets. This distinction is significant because it underscores the importance of secrecy in intelligence work. without secrecy, intelligence activity would simply be another form of information gathering, and would not be nearly as effective or valuable.

 

While Robertson's argument is convincing, there are alternative definitions of intelligence that are worth considering. For example, some scholars define intelligence as the ability to identify and exploit opportunities. Others define it as the ability to anticipate and respond to threats. These alternative definitions highlight different aspects of intelligence work, and each has its own merits. Ultimately, there is no single "right" definition of intelligence. Instead, it is important to consider all of the different definitions that exist, and to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Robertson's argument centers on the idea that intelligence activity is defined by its secrecy. This is contrasted with the more general process of information gathering, which he states is not unique to intelligence work. His reasoning is that secrecy is necessary in order to protect the sources and methods used to collect information, as well as the information itself. This need for secrecy sets intelligence activity apart from other forms of information gathering.

 

Robertson's argument is convincing in that it highlights a key element of intelligence work that is often overlooked. However, it should be noted that there are other factors that contribute to the definition of intelligence activity. For example, many would argue that the use of analytical and interpretive skills to produce actionable intelligence is just as important as secrecy. In the end, however, Robertson's argument provides a useful perspective on what makes intelligence activity unique. In his 1987 book "Intelligence: A History," K.G. Robertson defines the unique element of intelligence activity as secrecy. According to Robertson, secrecy is what distinguishes intelligence activity from other forms of information gathering. This is an important distinction to make, as it highlights the fact that intelligence activity is not simply about collecting information, but about collecting secrets. This distinction is significant because it underscores the importance of secrecy in intelligence work. without secrecy, intelligence activity would simply be another form of information gathering, and would not be nearly as effective or valuable.

 

While Robertson's argument is convincing, there are alternative definitions of intelligence that are worth considering. For example, some scholars define intelligence as the ability to identify and exploit opportunities. Others define it as the ability to anticipate and respond to threats. These alternative definitions highlight different aspects of intelligence work, and each has its own merits. Ultimately, there is no single "right" definition of intelligence. Instead, it is important to consider all of the different definitions that exist, and to choose the one that best suits your needs.

In his 1987 book "Intelligence: A History," K.G. Robertson defines the unique element of intelligence activity as secrecy. According to Robertson, secrecy is what distinguishes intelligence activity from other forms of information gathering. This is an important distinction to make, as it highlights the fact that intelligence activity is not simply about collecting information, but about collecting secrets. This distinction is significant because it underscores the importance of secrecy in intelligence work. without secrecy, intelligence activity would simply be another form of information gathering, and would not be nearly as effective or valuable.

 

While Robertson's argument is convincing, there are alternative definitions of intelligence that are worth considering. For example, some scholars define intelligence as the ability to identify and exploit opportunities. Others define it as the ability to anticipate and respond to threats. These alternative definitions highlight different aspects of intelligence work, and each has its own merits. Ultimately, there is no single "right" definition of intelligence. Instead, it is important to consider all of the different definitions that exist, and to choose the one that best suits your needs.

In his 1987 book "Intelligence: A History," K.G. Robertson defines the unique element of intelligence activity as secrecy. According to Robertson, secrecy is what distinguishes intelligence activity from other forms of information gathering. This is an important distinction to make, as it highlights the fact that intelligence activity is not simply about collecting information, but about collecting secrets. This distinction is significant because it underscores the importance of secrecy in intelligence work. without secrecy, intelligence activity would simply be another form of information gathering, and would not be nearly as effective or valuable.

 

While Robertson's argument is convincing, there are alternative definitions of intelligence that are worth considering. For example, some scholars define intelligence as the ability to identify and exploit opportunities. Others define it as the ability to anticipate and respond to threats. These alternative definitions highlight different aspects of intelligence work, and each has its own merits. Ultimately, there is no single "right" definition of intelligence. Instead, it is important to consider all of the different definitions that exist, and to choose the one that best suits your needs.

In his 1987 book "Intelligence: A History," K.G. Robertson defines the unique element of intelligence activity as secrecy. According to Robertson, secrecy is what distinguishes intelligence activity from other forms of information gathering. This is an important distinction to make, as it highlights the fact that intelligence activity is not simply about collecting information, but about collecting secrets. This distinction is significant because it underscores the importance of secrecy in intelligence work. without secrecy, intelligence activity would simply be another form of information gathering, and would not be nearly as effective or valuable.

 

While Robertson's argument is convincing, there are alternative definitions of intelligence that are worth considering. For example, some scholars define intelligence as the ability to identify and exploit opportunities. Others define it as the ability to anticipate and respond to threats. These alternative definitions highlight different aspects of intelligence work, and each has its own merits. Ultimately, there is no single "right" definition of intelligence. Instead, it is important to consider all of the different definitions that exist, and to choose the one that best suits your needs.

In his 1987 book "Intelligence: A History," K.G. Robertson defines the unique element of intelligence activity as secrecy. According to Robertson, secrecy is what distinguishes intelligence activity from other forms of information gathering. This is an important distinction to make, as it highlights the fact that intelligence activity is not simply about collecting information, but about collecting secrets. This distinction is significant because it underscores the importance of secrecy in intelligence work. without secrecy, intelligence activity would simply be another form of information gathering, and would not be nearly as effective or valuable.

 

While Robertson's argument is convincing, there are alternative definitions of intelligence that are worth considering. For example, some scholars define intelligence as the ability to identify and exploit opportunities. Others define it as the ability to anticipate and respond to threats. These alternative definitions highlight different aspects of intelligence work, and each has its own merits. Ultimately, there is no single "right" definition of intelligence. Instead, it is important to consider all of the different definitions that exist, and to choose the one that best suits your needs.

In his 1987 book "Intelligence: A History," K.G. Robertson defines the unique element of intelligence activity as secrecy. According to Robertson, secrecy is what distinguishes intelligence activity from other forms of information gathering. This is an important distinction to make, as it highlights the fact that intelligence activity is not simply about collecting information, but about collecting secrets. This distinction is significant because it underscores the importance of secrecy in intelligence work. without secrecy, intelligence activity would simply be another form of information gathering, and would not be nearly as effective or valuable.

 

While Robertson's argument is convincing, there are alternative definitions of intelligence that are worth considering. For example, some scholars define intelligence as the ability to identify and exploit opportunities. Others define it as the ability to anticipate and respond to threats. These alternative definitions highlight different aspects of intelligence work, and each has its own merits. Ultimately, there is no single "right" definition of intelligence. Instead, it is important to consider all of the different definitions that exist, and to choose the one that best suits your needs.

In his 1987 book "Intelligence: A History," K.G. Robertson defines the unique element of intelligence activity as secrecy. According to Robertson, secrecy is what distinguishes intelligence activity from other forms of information gathering. This is an important distinction to make, as it highlights the fact that intelligence activity is not simply about collecting information, but about collecting secrets. This distinction is significant because it underscores the importance of secrecy in intelligence work. without secrecy, intelligence activity would simply be another form of information gathering, and would not be nearly as effective or valuable.

 

While Robertson's argument is convincing, there are alternative definitions of intelligence that are worth considering. For example, some scholars define intelligence as the ability to identify and exploit opportunities. Others define it as the ability to anticipate and respond to threats. These alternative definitions highlight different aspects of intelligence work, and each has its own merits. Ultimately, there is no single "right" definition of intelligence. Instead, it is important to consider all of the different definitions that exist, and to choose the one that best suits your needs.

In his 1987 book "Intelligence: A History," K.G. Robertson defines the unique element of intelligence activity as secrecy. According to Robertson, secrecy is what distinguishes intelligence activity from other forms of information gathering. This is an important distinction to make, as it highlights the fact that intelligence activity is not simply about collecting information, but about collecting secrets. This distinction is significant because it underscores the importance of secrecy in intelligence work. without secrecy, intelligence activity would simply be another form of information gathering, and would not be nearly as effective or valuable.

 

While Robertson's argument is convincing, there are alternative definitions of intelligence that are worth considering. For example, some scholars define intelligence as the ability to identify and exploit opportunities. Others define it as the ability to anticipate and respond to threats. These alternative definitions highlight different aspects of intelligence work, and each has its own merits. Ultimately, there is no single "right" definition of intelligence. Instead, it is important to consider all of the different definitions that exist, and to choose the one that best suits your needs.

In his 1987 book "Intelligence: A History," K.G. Robertson defines the unique element of intelligence activity as secrecy. According to Robertson, secrecy is what distinguishes intelligence activity from other forms of information gathering. This is an important distinction to make, as it highlights the fact that intelligence activity is not simply about collecting information, but about collecting secrets. This distinction is significant because it underscores the importance of secrecy in intelligence work. without secrecy, intelligence activity would simply be another form of information gathering, and would not be nearly as effective or valuable.

 

While Robertson's argument is convincing, there are alternative definitions of intelligence that are worth considering. For example, some scholars define intelligence as the ability to identify and exploit opportunities. Others define it as the ability to anticipate and respond to threats. These alternative definitions highlight different aspects of intelligence work, and each has its own merits. Ultimately, there is no single "right" definition of intelligence. Instead, it is important to consider all of the different definitions that exist, and to choose the one that best suits your needs.

In his 1987 book "Intelligence: A History," K.G. Robertson defines the unique element of intelligence activity as secrecy. According to Robertson, secrecy is what distinguishes intelligence activity from other forms of information gathering. This is an important distinction to make, as it highlights the fact that intelligence activity is not simply about collecting information, but about collecting secrets. This distinction is significant because it underscores the importance of secrecy in intelligence work. without secrecy, intelligence activity would simply be another form of information gathering, and would not be nearly as effective or valuable.

 

While Robertson's argument is convincing, there are alternative definitions of intelligence that are worth considering. For example, some scholars define intelligence as the ability to identify and exploit opportunities. Others define it as the ability to anticipate and respond to threats. These alternative definitions highlight different aspects of intelligence work, and each has its own merits. Ultimately, there is no single "right" definition of intelligence. Instead, it is important to consider all of the different definitions that exist, and to choose the one that best suits your needs.

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