Critical Thinking for Strategic Intelligence
The Fourth Edition includes an exploration of use and implications of artificial intelligence, increased coverage of cyber issues such as digital disinformation and deepfakes, and new case studies. Drawing upon their years of teaching and analytic experience, Pherson and Pherson provide a useful introduction to skills that are essential within the intelligence community.
In Critical Thinking for Strategic Intelligence, the Phersons have provided an invaluable road map for anyone seeking to improve the ability to conceptualize, research, and write compelling analysis. It stands apart from other literature in making a persuasive case for critical thinking up front to pave the way for clarity of message and rigor in argumentation. It is simply a must-read for any serious student of intelligence analysis.
Critical Thinking for Strategic Intelligence is the go-to book for current and aspiring intelligence analysts.
No one has given more thought to the improvement and the teaching of analytic techniques than Kathy and Randy Pherson. The fourth edition of Critical Thinking for Strategic Intelligence is a welcome update of their now–must-have book. Dealing with an increasing flow of incoming information and creating from that well-written, thoughtful analysis is a daunting challenge. This book is well organized, extremely accessible, and profusely illustrated with useful figures. It will continue to benefit analysts—in all fields, not just intelligence—as well as managers of analysts and those who teach courses on analysis.
Kathy and Randy Pherson artfully weave together scholarship and experience in this update to their foundational work. The book reveals—not answers—something much more important: how to ask questions. It provides readers the skills they need to navigate the ocean of the often-conflicting, irrelevant, and incorrect information in which we all live today.
The fourth edition of Critical Thinking for Strategic Intelligence provides significant updates and remains a "must have" for any student of the nature and process of effective intelligence analysis. Highly recommended for the classroom, for those new to the profession of intelligence research and analysis and for anyone seeking to produce more effect reports and presentations.
Critical Thinking for Strategic Intelligence is an effective compliment to methods literature. The book's perspective on communicating persuasively defines important objectives that need to be accomplished in research designs.
