Intel in International Politics with Dr. Jennifer Sims | CSS Speaker Series
Join the Center for Security Studies for a conversation with Jennifer Sims on her newest book Decision Advantage: Intelligence in International Politics from the Spanish Armada to Cyberwar. In the book, Dr. Sims investigates the history of intelligence through centuries of international conflict, including the 16th Century’s Spanish Armada, two US Civil War battles, the hunt for President Lincoln’s assassin, and key diplomatic crises before the two World Wars. Dr. Sims dives deep into these events to show that the competitive pursuit of intelligence advantage has been a measurable, buildable, and consequential form of power that can help competitors win against otherwise stronger opponents. From these observations, she develops a general guide to building intelligence readiness, whether for war, diplomacy, or international manhunts.
In-person Attendance
Current Georgetown students and SSP alumni may attend in person by registering here (GU login required). Non-students will be asked to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination (including booster), or proof of a negative PCR test for those with medical or religious exemptions. Learn more about Georgetown’s visitor policies here.
Virtual Attendance
The livestream is open to current Georgetown students/faculty and SSP alumni, but is not open to the public. Register here to attend virtually. Automated live captioning will be provided on Zoom.
Accessibility
For requests for accommodations due to a disability or medical condition, contact securitystudies@georgetown.edu no later than Thursday, January 26. A good faith effort will be made to fulfill all accommodation requests.
About the Speaker
Jennifer E. Sims is a non-resident Senior Fellow with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Before this residency, Sims was a core faculty member and chair of the Intelligence concentration in the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service. She also served as a presidential appointee on the USG’s Public Interest Declassification Board (2008-2011) and as a member Director of National Intelligence’s Senior Advisory Group. During her more than ten years of US government service, Dr. Sims was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence Coordination (1994-1998) and Intelligence Advisor to the Under Secretary for Management and Coordinator for Intelligence Resources and Planning at the US Department of State (1998-2001).
In 1998, Dr. Sims received the Intelligence Community’s highest civilian award, the National Distinguished Service Medal, for developing the concept of intelligence Support to Diplomatic Operations (SDO) and implementing it during the Balkan War with the establishment of the first Diplomatic Intelligence Support Center in Sarajevo.