Conversations with History: Institute of International Studies, UC Berkeley

See the Conversations with History Blog See a webcast of this interview: Sims

This interview is part of the Institute's "Conversations with History" series, and uses Internet technology to share with the public Berkeley's distinction as a global forum for ideas.

Welcome to a Conversation with History. I'm Harry Kreisler of the Institute of International Studies. Our guest is Jennifer Sims, who is a Professorial Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. She is also a freelance writer and a private consultant in Washington. Dr. Sims has served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence Coordination and as the State Department's first Coordinator of Intelligence, Resources and Planning. Before coming to State, Dr. Sims served as Senator John Danforth's Defense and Foreign Policy Advisor, and as a designee to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

1. Background ... influence of parents ... interest in global affairs ... impact of the sixties ... commitment to the integrity of public institutions
2. Democracies and Intelligence ... the moving balance between liberty and security ... facing new challenges ... having a mission ... relationship with policymakers ... end of the Cold War ... .cutbacks ... .Gulf War ... support of military
3. Defining Intelligence ... not just secrets ... importance of open sources ... coordination ... reforms of the Clinton administration ... the realities of practice ... disfavor of opportunistic intelligence ... consequences of cutback in resources
4. Intelligence after 9/11 ... a redefining event ... politicization and intelligence ... under-funding of the State Department ... the problem of coordination and information sharing ... security concerns ... national security versus the rule of law
5. Lessons Learned ... integrity under pressure ... institutional and individual learning ... respect for democratic institutions ... importance of working in both legislative and executive branches ... leadership ... advice to students

See Jennifer Sims's vita at this website.

See also: Sims's public lecture in streaming video. Note: Streaming video for this lecture also includes the lecture by Robert Gallucci.

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