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Intelligence Studies

Studies in Intelligence Special Edition: Guide for Authors

August 2025

Writing for Studies

Studies in Intelligence is a journal written for and by intelligence practitioners, educators, students, and the well-informed public. Sustaining any journal for seven decades is no small feat, and Studies has been able to do that because of a devoted cadre of writers wanting to contribute to the “elevated debate” envisioned by CIA trailblazer Sherman Kent. Many of these write for the journal one time on an issue or event important to them; a much smaller number of authors join a cadre of regular contributors exploring the theory, history, practice, and future of intelligence. Many contribute their views on published literature on these subjects. However you envision your role, we hope this guide to writing for the journal will encourage you to make your own mark in the literature of intelligence.

— John Charles, Chair, Studies in Intelligence Editorial Board, and
Director, Center for the Study of Intelligence

Contents

Writing for Studies in Intelligence: A Guide for Authors
Joseph Gartin and Andres Vaart
(Download PDF of Frontmatter and Guidance Only [10 pages])

(Download PDF of complete guide, including exemplars [54 pages])

Article Exemplars

Beautiful in Another Context: A Counterintelligence: Assessment of GTPROLOGUE by Alexander Orleans (Download PDF of this exemplar only [17 pages])

Cambodia’s Role in Shipping Arms to Communist Forces in South Vietnam, 1966–70: Competing CIA and US Military Estimates by Richard A. Mobley (Download PDF of this exemplar only [18 pages])

The Thrill of the Hunt: Lessons from Archival Research into Cold–War Era Intelligence Decision-making by Richard A. Mobley (Download this guide to researching unclassified and declassified documents.)

Review Exemplars

Zhou Enlai: A Life, reviewed by Matthew J. and Intelligence Officer’s Bookshelf, Compiled and reviewed by Hayden Peake and others
(Download PDF of both review exemplars [7 pages])

Exploring Ideas

If you are thinking of contributing to Studies and wish to discuss your ideas in advance, use the "Contact" CIA form link found at the top of the cia.gov home page. In the form, address your note to the Studies in Intelligence Editorial Team. Thank you. —The Editors