International Conference “Need to Know III: Them vs. Us. Image of the Enemy”

The work of intelligence agencies is an integrated part in both domestic and foreign policy. Governments want to keep their eyes on possible threats and security risks. The aim is in general to foresee threats to the political system and the states’ sovereignty, or to obtain advantages in dealing with opponent or foreign powers. In any case, a states’ perception – or image – of its enemy is vital to how well the state or its organizations are able to benefit from collected intelligence. Fundamental ideological bias or group thinking may divert resources into false directions, making imagined enemies appear almighty or enable actual security threats to slip under the radar.

The conference is organized by the Institute of National Remembrance – Commission for the Prosecution of Crimes against the Polish Nation, the University of Gotland after July 1 part of Uppsala University (Sweden), the Center for Cold War Studies of the University of Southern Denmark and the Baltic Intelligence and Security Studies Association.

More information:
http://www.sdu.dk/Om_SDU/Institutter_centre/C_koldkrig/Aktiviteter/Need+to+Know+III