William Casey Case Study in Intelligence Community Leadership

Abstract

Abstract : In today's world of intelligence investigations and commissions, history seems to be repeating itself. The realm of intelligence is a powerful influencer on foreign policy with some intelligence professionals believing that intelligence products need to be policy-neutral and provide assessments that are unbiased. This is the case for the majority of the intelligence community; however, there is one position that must balance that requirement-- the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI). William J. Casey's tenure in this position provides a study of the difficulties of this position. Many intelligence observers feel that DCI Casey imposed his view on intelligence analysis. Over the years from 1981 till his death in 1987, Casey's star would dim in the eyes of the public and their elected officials serving on the intelligence committees. Irregardless of the relationship between Casey and the rest of the intelligence community, the Congress, or the press, he will be remembered for his influencing and shaping of American foreign policy.