Unpacking intelligence direction: a systematic literature review

Modern-day intelligence organisations are tasked with monitoring threats that are very diverse, interconnected and dynamic. The process that guides this tasking – intelligence direction – remains poorly understood, leaving important questions about this seemingly vital part of intelligence production unaddressed. This study examines how intelligence direction is discussed in intelligence studies through a systematic review of 95 publications in seven leading intelligence journals. The analysis yields two key findings. First, intelligence direction is a multifaceted and context-dependent concept, rather than a singular entity. Second, the scholarly discourse on intelligence direction can be categorized into three perspectives: a principal-agent problem, intelligence governance and, a practice. Building on these insights, the study proposes two future research directions: first, approaching intelligence direction as a specific, but not unique decision-making process within public administrations, and second, employing a practice-oriented approach to explore intelligence direction not just as a fixed strategic outcome, but as an evolving, everyday practice shaped by actors and contextual dynamics.