Managing Emerging Health Security Threats Since 9/11: The Role of Intelligence

The health and broader biosecurity environment has evolved dramatically since 11 September 2001 (9/11). Less clear is the role intelligence should play in understanding emerging bio-threats. Understanding the role and limitations of intelligence in interpreting a complex set of potential "bio-threats'' is essential as advances in synthetic biology and biotechnology grow exponentially. Questions remain, however, as to how well intelligence can function in managing this environment in ways that can reduce both the uncertainty and impact of health/biosecurity related risks and threats for policymakers, first responders, security managers, and public health officers.