Department of State
Bureau of Intelligence and Research

The Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) is the State Department's primary source for interpretive analysis of global developments. INR was established in 1946 to provide the Secretary of State with timely, objective assessments, free of policy prescription or preferences. INR's mandate is to tell policymakers what they need to know, not what they want to hear. INR is also the focal point within the State Department for all policy issues and activities involving the Intelligence Community. The INR Assistant Secretary reports directly to the Secretary of State and serves as the Secretary's principal advisor for all intelligence matters.

In providing the Secretary and other key decisionmakers with expert, independent foreign affairs analysis, INR draws on all-source intelligence, diplomatic reporting, and interaction with US and foreign scholars. INR responds rapidly to policy priorities, providing early warning and in-depth analysis of events and trends that affect US foreign policy and national security interests. INR's analyses are not subject to approval by other parts of the Department or to formal coordination with other components of the Intelligence Community. INR contributes to Community analyses such as National Intelligence Estimates, with a particular eye to relevance to policy needs.

INR focuses on issues bearing on US national security, economic well-being, and promotion of democracy, including: reform and stability in Russia and other former communist states; economic challenges from competitors; evolving trade relationships; global issues such as the environment, human rights, terrorism, weapons and military technology proliferation, and peacekeeping; international organizations and agreements; and conflict zones, including the Balkans, Africa, the Middle East, and the Korean peninsula.

In support of the statutory authority of the Secretary of State and Chiefs of Mission for the conduct of foreign policy and oversight of all US Government activities overseas--including agencies like CIA, NSA, FBI, DEA, and Justice--INR coordinates the handling of issues that arise in the course of intelligence, security, counterintelligence, investigative, and special operations. INR sits on the National Counterintelligence Policy Board, and works with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security on matters concerning security and security countermeasures. INR also coordinates with the national security community on visa denials, intelligence sharing, and requirements and evaluation for collection in all intelligence disciplines.

Finally, INR develops intelligence policy for the Department of State, ensuring that intelligence activities abroad are in harmony with US policy and that collection resources and priorities are in accord with US diplomatic interests and requirements.