The Craft of Intelligence Analysis: Careers, Challenges, and Global Impact
The Catholic University of America
620 Michigan Ave, N.E. Washington, DC 20064
Please register by November 17, 2026.
In partnership with Catholic University’s Department of Global Studies and Intelligence Club, the Council on Intelligence Issues is hosting a panel discussion on the craft of intelligence analysis. A networking reception will follow the panel discussion.
The moderator and three panelists bring together over 125 years of analytic experience at the highest levels of government. Among the discussion points are:
• What do we mean by “the craft of intelligence analysis”?
• What are the professional essentials of intelligence analysis?
• How did you become an intelligence analyst and what prepared you best?
• What does the typical day of an analyst look like?
• What are some of the highs, lows, and key challenges faced?
• How do analysts interact with policy makers?
• How do analysts interact with operations officers?
• How do we determine if intelligence analysis has been successful?
Discussing these and other issues are:
Dr. Mark Lowenthal, moderator. Former Assistant Director of Central Intelligence for Analysis & Production; adjunct faculty member at SAIS/Johns Hopkins. Author of Intelligence: From Secrets to Policy and Vigilance Is Not Enough: A History of U.S. Intelligence.
Dr. Peter Clement, former Deputy Director for Intelligence for Analytic Programs, CIA; PDB briefer for Vice President Cheney and National Security Adviser Condi Rice. Adjunct faculty at Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs.
Andrew Gilmour, 32 years as an analyst at CIA, including drafting three National Intelligence Estimates. Author of A Middle East Primed for New Thinking: Insights and Policy Options from the Ancient World. Scholar-in-Residence at the Center for the Study of Statesmanship at the Catholic University.
Kathleen Miller has led analysis and coordinate operations at three CIA Mission Centers: Counterterrorism; Weapons and Counterproliferation; and Europe and Eurasia.
