Open-Source Intelligence in the Czech Military: Knowledge System and Process Design

Owing to the recent transitions in the Czech Republic, the Czech military must satisfy a large set of new requirements. One way the military intelligence can become more effective and can conserve resources is by increasing the efficiency of open-source intelligence (OSINT), which plays an important part in intelligence gathering in the age of information. When using OSINT effectively, the military intelligence can elevate its responsiveness to different types of crises and can also properly allocate its limited resources into areas, in which covert collection is unavoidable. This thesis combines modern knowledge-management theory with current issues in military intelligence, creating a base for designing a future OSINT system in the Czech military. First, the thesis introduces recent US research in knowledge management and examines the current intelligence issues. Then the thesis examines the Czech military intelligence environment in the framework of the national security and defense policy and also analyzes the actual use of OSINT in the Military Intelligence Service, following the four stages of the knowledge system and process design. Finally, the thesis outlines the main aspects of the future OSINT knowledgemanagement system and recommends further research and development.