Domestic Intelligence Reform: Assessing an Independent Domestic Intelligence Agency for the United States
The purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate how the U.S. would benefit from the creation of an entirely new domestic intelligence agency. To examine this view, this thesis will detail the challenges and limitations faced by existing domestic intelligence efforts (namely the FBI) and assess how the creation of a new agency could serve to remedy many of the existing problems. The thesis evaluates the potential pros and cons of an "agency within an agency” solution (such as the National Security Branch within the FBI) versus the creation of an entirely new domestic intelligence organization. Case studies of similar agencies in other countries (including MI5 in the UK, ASIO in Australia and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service) are evaluated as possible models for the establishment of a successful agency and a means to evaluate potential effectiveness. The thesis addresses additional issues such as American public perceptions of domestic intelligence and balancing concerns for civil liberties with security concerns. The research suggests that the establishment of a new domestic intelligence agency would likely prove beneficial to domestic intelligence efforts, but unless issues with interagency cooperation and bureaucracy are addressed, a new agency may fall victim to the same problems plaguing the current system. Because of the nature of this topic, this thesis will utilize open sources, reports and literature that is publicly available.
domestic intelligence, reform, agency, FBI, CIA, MI5, ASIO, CSIS, counterintelligence, counterterrorism, Defense and Security Studies
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