On June 6, 2024, Shorenstein APARC Fellow Thomas Fingar spoke at a public forum hosted by the Center for Asia-Pacific Resilience and Innovation (CAPRI) on the nuances of intelligence analysis and their application to policymaking. Dr. Fingar is a former deputy director of national intelligence for analysis and chairman of the U.S. National Intelligence Council. He previously served as assistant secretary of the State Department’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR). Under his leadership, the federal intelligence bureau gained a reputation for quality and unbiased analysis.

Held at National Chengchi University in Taipei, Taiwan, the CAPRI public forum drew government leaders, diplomats, business representatives, scholars, and students. Watch the discussion:

In his remarks, Fingar delved into the intricacies of tailoring intelligence reports to policymakers' needs. He noted that the key criterion is not absolute accuracy but the usefulness of the input.

Describing what he coined “wicked problems," he cited various scenarios exhibiting complex issues requiring long-term and multifaceted approaches to intelligence. These scenarios include the Russian-Ukraine war, polio resurgence, climate change, migration, nuclear stability, and green technology. He elaborated on the interconnectedness of these topics, and how the effects of one crisis create a ripple effect on other markets and economies.

Fingar highlighted the need to ensure that one international player does not negate the solution implemented by another in dealing with such issues. What makes problems wicked is that a single government can’t solve them, he said.