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This finding challenges the view that a viable UN intelligence system is infeasible, which has led some scholars to conclude that a study of the subject itself is a waste of time. The argument that the UN possesses intelligence capability of sorts is examined in chapter 9, which explores the various sources and methods that the UN consolidates in its acquirement of intelligence assets. A discussion on the drawbacks in the UN information/intelligence system reveals that existing shortcomings are secondary problems that could be rectified at the planning stages. The main problem for the UN still remains the apparent lack of guidelines and established standards of operating procedures, as well as a clear definition of the concept of intelligence.
In chapter 9, in-depth analysis of the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) reveals the many contradictions and problems inherent in interfacing intelligence with UN principles. This case shows how intelligence doctrines and processes involving instances of requirements, sources, methods of acquisition, and applications of intelligence assets in a politically sensitive and intractable environment challenge the principles of sovereignty and the mainstay of the UN peace and security agenda. This chapter also serves as a precursor to exploring variables in multiagency decision making. Whereas chapter 9 exemplifies the complexity of the issues involved and the efforts to resolve the problems, chapter 10 advances this argument by comparing the two phases of the weapons verification processes and the lessons learned from the processes and, through the United Nations Monitoring, Verification, and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC), identifies features for a viable intelligence capability.
Chapter 11 draws on key features that enable a predictive comparison between centralised and decentralised systems. It identifies features that are unique to decentralised systems yet consistent with expectant solution variables in such an environment. The concept of the solution developed in this chapter suggests it is possible to examine a broad range of environments in which different systems operate and in which their relative optimal outcome may be comparable to known and perhaps established systems. The fact that the processes appropriate to these structures