Capabilities of Foreign Intelligence Organizations

Instructions:

This week’s assignment question reflects the second Course Objective: Compare and contrast the capabilities of foreign intelligence organizations to determine which country poses the greatest threat to U.S. national security. You will assess their HUMINT, OSINT, SIGINT, MASINT, and GEOINT capabilities. Also, describe their intelligence organization. Detail is key.

1. First Option: Compare and contrast Chinese, Iranian, and Russian intelligence organizations. Of the three nations, which one do you think poses the greatest threat to U.S. national security? Be sure to fully support your position using multiple examples from the course readings or your own research.
2. Secondary Option: You will have to do outside research for this, but if you wish, compare and contrast: Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. Of the 3, which one do you think is the greatest threat to U.S. national security? Again use HUMINT, OSINT, SIGINT, MASINT, and GEOINT to assess. Be specific about their capabilities (marginally capable, capable, or highly capable).

General Requirements

1. Document Format.
   a. MS Word document
   b. One-inch (1″) margins (double-spaced)
   c. Times New Roman Font
   d. Twelve (12) pitch
2. Citation Format: Chicago. All assignments for the School of Security and Global Studies (papers, essays, exams, and Forums) must follow the Chicago citation method. An online copy of may be found at: https://www.apus.edu/apus-library/resources-services/Writing/writing-center/chicago-style-guide-info.html.
3. Graphics are allowed and encouraged (but they don’t count on length).
4. Students must (1) employ imaginative approaches to answer the question being asked; (2) display an impressive command of the subject matter beyond the immediately obvious; (3) demonstrate a high level of critical thinking which reflects current and world views, and genuine intellectual development; and (4) excel in explaining all major points using multiple examples from the course readings or individual research.

Title Page.
(a) Title of the paper
(b) Student Name.
(c) Course Number.
(d) Instructor Name.
(e) Date the paper was completed.
Length: Minimum of six pages, no more than eight pages (double spaced, not including the title page and Selected Bibliography).
Section I: Introduction.
(a) Clearly state the purpose of your paper along with the approach you’ll be taking to answer the question.
Section II: [China, Iran, or Russia].
(a) Identify China, Iran, or Russia as the country posing the greatest threat to U.S. national security.
(b) Pay close attention to the organization of the paper. Keep states separate. Organize your paper by state, not by intelligence discipline.
Section III: Conclusion.
(a) Succinctly summarize why [China, Iran, or Russia] represents the greatest threat to the US and what the potential impact is.
Section IV: Selected Bibliography.
(a) Contains all sources consulted and cited in preparing your paper. At least five sources- more is better though.