BOGOTA, Colombia -- In collaboration with U.S. Southern Command, the U.S. Naval War College's (NWC)
EMC Informationist chair sponsored a workshop, Feb. 26 to March 2, to facilitate the development of Colombia's national intelligence strategy.
NWC
professors Larry McCabe, Derek Reveron, and Josh Rovner provided theoretical insights and a methodology for the strategy development symposium. The endeavor was the first attempt to bring unity of effort to Colombia's six intelligence organizations.
One of the participants remarked, "Colombia is at an inflection point, great progress is being made against the FARC insurgent group. The strategy development effort is helping Colombian national security professionals to move beyond counterinsurgency and prepare for future challenges."
From the onset of the symposium, participants from Colombia's intelligence community stressed the importance of transparency. Drawing from key articles in Colombia's constitution, the participants agreed on the importance of supporting national priorities of neutralizing internal challenges, safeguarding civil liberties, and supporting national prosperity.
The group also recognized that Colombia can play an important role in the Western Hemisphere and in the international community. This was considered important as Colombia approaches its bicentennial in 2019.
Participants identified improve information sharing as a key priority. While the intent exists to share and the benefits are important, there are tangible barriers that inhibit information sharing. To facilitate discussion of these barriers, McCabe offered ideas on promoting cooperation.
The faculty made an important contribution at the start of a year-long process. Their Colombian partners also made a lasting impression the professors will take back to their Newport classrooms.
From EMC Chair
Posted by Brie Lyons