Orientalism and intelligence analysis: deconstructing Anglo-American notions of the ‘Arab’

Rezk, D. (2016) Orientalism and intelligence analysis: deconstructing Anglo-American notions of the ‘Arab’. Intelligence and National Security, 31 (2). pp. 224-245. ISSN 1743-9019 doi: 10.1080/02684527.2014.949077

Abstract/Summary

Despite revived notions of a ‘cultural divide’ between East and West, Edward's Said's ‘Orientalism’ has received little attention from scholars of intelligence and diplomacy. This article brings to light for the first time a number of recently declassified documents of a different nature to usual assessments produced by Anglo-American analytic bodies: those focussed primarily on the issue of ‘national character’. Using and critiquing Said's thesis of Western ‘Orientalism’ it reveals some critical and enduring conceptualizations articulated by the diplomatic and intelligence community about Arab culture such as the role of Islam, rhetoric, political motivation and notions of ‘honour’. Such a critical approach demonstrates how diplomatic and intelligence history can also be a history of culture, ideas and institutional mentalité.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/57747
Identification Number/DOI	10.1080/02684527.2014.949077
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Arts, Humanities and Social Science > School of Humanities > History
Publisher	Taylor & Francis
Download/View statistics	View download statistics for this item