Prospects for United Nations strategic intelligence

This article analyzes the prospects for strategic intelligence at the United Nations (UN) Secretariat within the framework of the Peacekeeping-Intelligence (PKI) policy that was first published in 2017. It addresses the question of the extent to which the current mechanisms are adequate to meet the strategic intelligence needs of the UN. The article first provides an overview of the strategic information and analysis entities at the UN headquarters (UNHQ) and how they interface with the PKI processes in the field missions. Second, it examines the strategic management of PKI systems and organization at the mission level through the framework of the Mission Peacekeeping-Intelligence Coordination Mechanism (MICM). The analysis of UNHQ analytical entities shows a disparate network that is not synchronized into a coherent system. The mechanisms are further undermined by inherent bureaucratic and institutional flaws. While the MICM has provided a firm basis for developing a strategic PKI framework at the mission level, its application needs time to be tested by events. The article argues that, although the UN has made significant strides in developing the PKI framework, the current structures both at UNHQ and the mission level require specific adaptations to enhance the utility of the mechanisms.